Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts about horses, you might visit Science for Kids or come in to the library for some great books and videos about horses!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement. — Lambert

 

 

 

Activity

Pick some simple activities your child can do that will fill an entire day. After they do the activity, even if they fail, encourage them with clapping, hugs, and positive reinforcement. Then, at bedtime, talk about the things they accomplished that day.

 

 

Books Presented

Book cover for A Field Full of Horses by Peter Hansard

A Field Full of Horses by Peter Hansard

 
Text and illustrations describe horse behavior, biology, and care.
Book cover for Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey

Told in rhyme, Thelma the pony wants to be a unicorn–but when her wish comes true she discovers that there is a downside to fame, and realizes that she was happier at home with her friend.

Book cover for The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

 
Princess Pinecone would like a real war horse for her birthday, instead of which she gets a plump, cute pony–but sometimes cuteness can be a kind of weapon, especially in a fight with dodgeballs and spitballs and hairballs and squareballs.
Book cover for Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

 
Introduces Noni the pony, who is friendly and funny and lives at Waratah Bay, where her best friends are Dave Dog and Coco the cat.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

If Your Horse is the Color Blue

Tune: This Old Man
If your horse is the color blue,
Gallop it upon your shoe!
If you have a blue horse,
From McDonald’s farm
Come and put it by  the barn.

yellow –  gallop it upon your elbow
green – gallop it upon your knee
purple – gallop it in a great big circle
red – gallop it upon your head

Source: Anne’s Library Life

Clippity, Clippity, Clop

Clippity, clippity, clop,
The horses go clip, clop.
They gallop and gallop.
They start and they stop.
Clippity, clippity, clop. STOP!

Source: 1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays by Totline

Open Up the Barn Door

Open up the barn door, it’s a sunny day.
There’s a horse in the barn, saying, “Neigh, neigh, neigh.”

That’s not a horse, it’s a ___________. 

Adapted from Storytime Katie

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page of a horse.

Horse Coloring Page

 

 

Hobby Horse craft.

Hobby Horse Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Horses! by Gail Gibbons

Horses by Gail Gibbons

 
Presents information on horses, including their physical characteristics, behavior, and how to ride a horse.
Book cover for Appaloosa Zebra: A Horse Lover's Alphabet by Jessie Haas

Appaloosa Zebra: A Horse Lover's Alphabet by Jessie Haas

Moving through the alphabet, a girl ponders the many different kinds of horses she will have when she gets older, from Appaloosa to zebra.

Book cover for This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis

This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis

 
Jack, an introverted goat, and Charlie, a blind horse, meet at Open Bud Ranch, an animal rehabilitation center, and form an unlikely friendship that grows stronger in the face of adversity.
Book cover for Look Out, Mouse! by Steve Björkman

Look Out, Mouse! by Steve Björkman

 
When Farmer Fred forgets to feed the horse, a mouse helps out and later, when the mouse is in trouble, the horse repays his kindness.

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication, relationships, and are just plain fun! So, pull out your “knee” horse and get ready for a rip-roarin’ time with your child.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Early experiences help to form the architecture of the brain and lay a strong foundation for both social and emotional development. Playing with children at a young age, experiencing the fun of taking turns and sharing, and discovering that it is fun to pass the ball to someone else and then get it back are great ways to learn important social and emotional skills. ~Reading Picture Books with Children by Lambert

 

Activity

With family members or friends, sit in a circle on the floor, and roll a ball to one anther while singing, “Roll that Round Ball.” Continue until everyone has had a chance to start rolling the ball.

Books Presented

Book cover for Clip Clop by Nicola Smee

Clip Clop by Nicola Smee

After Mr. Horse asks his friends if they want to go for a ride, Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck try to hang on as they urge Mr. Horse to go faster and faster.
Book cover for Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

 
Introduces Noni the pony, who is friendly and funny and lives at Waratah Bay, where her best friends are Dave Dog and Coco the cat.
Book cover for Hungry Horse by Jane Wolfe

Hungry Horse by Jane Wolfe

Press the button on this jolly boardbook to make the peckish pony go neigh!
Book cover for Splish-Splash by Nicola Smee

Splish-Splash by Nicola Smee

Mr. Horse invites all the barnyard animals onto his little boat, and soon he, Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck are riding though big waves, and come crashing down with a big splash.

Book cover for Do Cows Meow? : A Lift-the-flap Book by Salina Yoon

Do Cows Meow?: A Lift-the-flap Book by Salina Yoon

Do cows sing? Do cows coo? All I know is cows go–moo! Lift the flaps to find lots more barnyard animal sounds!
Book cover for Ponies by Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc,

Ponies by Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.

Discover the different textures of things associated with ponies.
Book cover for PSST! I Love You by Marjorie Blain Parker

PSST! I Love You by Marjorie Blain Parker

Celebrates the love between parents and children of every species. In lilting rhyme, the book introduces toddlers to an array of super-adorable animal parents and babies–including cows, horses, sheep, cats, owls, ducks, roosters, and, of course humans. What do they all say to each other? I LOVE YOU! This is the perfect read-aloud and goodnight story.

Book cover for Good Night Cowboys by Adam Gamble

Good Night Cowboys by Adam Gamble

Good Night Cowboys explores riding horses, roping steer, working on the ranch, rodeos, lassos, cowboy chow, ghost towns, driving cattle, cowboy clothing, square dancing, cowboy songs, and panning for gold. Well, howdy little buckaroos. It’s time saddle up and hit the dusty trail with some of the friendliest cowboys in all of the Wild West. Yeehaw!

Book cover for Hush, Little Horsie by Jane Yolen

Hush Little Horsie by Jane Yolen

Rhyming text assures foals that their mothers are watching over them while they leap on a farm, frolic on a beach, gallop on a plain, and sleep in a stall.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Roll That Round Ball

(Tune: London Bridge)
Roll that round ball down to town,
Down to town, down to town,
Roll that round ball down to town,
Then roll it back to (name of person who rolled the ball first). 

Ponies in a Meadow

10 Little ponies in a meadow green (hold up 10 fingers)
Friskiest ponies I’ve ever seen (wiggle fingers)
They go for a gallop, they go for a trot (“gallop” and “trot” fingers)
They come to a halt in the big feed lot. (hold hands up like “stop”)
10 little ponies fat and well fed
Curl up together in a soft straw bed (interlace fingers and hands into lap)

Source: 1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays by Totline Books

Shoe the Little Horse

Shoe the little horse (Pat the soles of baby’s feet together.)
Shoe the little mare.
But let the little colt run bare, bare, bare!

Source: Mother Goose on the Loose by Betsey Diamant Cohen

Giddy up, Giddy up

Giddy up, giddy up ride to town,
Giddy up, giddy up, UP and DOWN.
Giddy up faaaast, giddy up slow
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, WHOA!

Source: Jbrary

Horsie, Horsie, Don’t You Stop

Horsie, horsie, don’t you stop,
Just let your feet go clippety clop,
Your tail goes swish
and the wheels go round,
Giddy up, giddy up we’re homeward bound.

Source: Jbrary

Ten Galloping Horses

Ten galloping horses (hold up 10 fingers)
Came galloping through the town (slap hands on legs)
Five were white (hold up 5 fingers)
Five were brown (hold up 5 fingers on other hand)
They galloped up (slap hands on thighs then move them up)
They galloped down (move hands down) 
Ten galloping horses
Came through the town.
Then WHOA!
They all slowed down (place hands in lap).

Source: Jen in the Library

Open Up the Barn Door

Open up the barn door, it’s a sunny day.
There’s a horse in the barn, saying, “Neigh, neigh, neigh.”

That’s not a horse, it’s a ___________. 

Adapted from Storytime Katie

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! September & October

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! September & October

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! September & October

Rhymes and spiders, duck and trucks, and cows that say, “Boo!”

Look below and you will find something new for you!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Using books and stories to help children think of their own solutions to problems helps them develop problem-solving skills. Researchers have found that having ideas for tackling problems helps children in learning new tasks and handling social situations. -Lambert

Activity

Read a book with your child that revolves around a problem solving situation. Introduce the book by setting up the problem. On the page where the problem is revealed, you can ask, “What are some things you might do to… (solve this problem)? Or, if you prefer, you can come back to that page and ask the question after finishing the book.

Books Presented

Book cover for The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed

The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed

 
A boy begrudgingly composes a sometimes-rhyming adventure with his precocious little sister.
Book cover for Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan

Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan

What if you were as small as a bean and could walk on the walls and ceiling, sense vibrations through your elbows, jump five times your body length, see the world through eight eyes, and hear using tiny hairs all over your body? That is Jumper’s world. Open this book and discover the fascinating hidden life of a backyard jumping spider.

Book cover for Duck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie

Duck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie

It’s ducks vs. goose in a beachside food truck showdown

Book cover for Cows Go Boo by Steve Webb

Cows Go Boo! by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Robot Rhymes

I am a rhyming robot,
I love to rhyme, you see.
Help me find a word that rhymes with BEE.

I am a rhyming robot,
It’s super-duper fun!
Help me find a word that rhymes with SUN.

I am a rhyming robot,
I love to count to ten.
Help me find a word that rhymes with HEN.

I am a rhyming robot,
I love to chit ‘n chat.
Help me find a word that rhymes with CAT.

Source: 123Homeschool4ME

If You’re a Spider and You Know It

(tune “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If you’re a spider and you know it give a jump,
If you’re a spider and you know it give a jump,
If you’re a spider and you know it then you really want to show it,
If you’re a spider and you know it give a jump.

The Wheels on the Truck (Duck Duck Taco Truck style)

The wheels on the truck go ‘Round and ’round
‘Round and ’round
‘Round and ’round
The wheels on the truck go ‘Round and ’round
All along the beach!

The ducks in the truck go, Quack, Quack, Quack! 
Quack, Quack, Quack! 
Quack, Quack, Quack! 
The ducks in the truck go, Quack, Quack, Quack! 
All along the beach!

The goose in the truck says, I need help! 
I need help!
I need help!
The goose in the truck says, I need help!
All along the beach!

The people at the truck cheer, Duck, Duck, Goose!
Duck, Duck, Goose!
Duck, Duck, Goose!
The people at the truck cheer, Duck, Duck, Goose!
You’re the best on the beach!

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a taco with mustache and sombrero.

Something New Just For You

Cute taco paper craft.

Paper Taco Craft

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Forest Friends

Storytime: Forest Friends

Storytime: Forest Friends

Let’s have fun in the forest with our friends! Even if you are an overzealous “friendly” bear, or a mischievous mouse, there’s always an adventure waiting in the forest for you and your friends.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

During the first years of life, an important set of skills known as problem solving abilities are developed. Get into the habit of asking questions during your daily story time that develop higher-order thinking skills. Instead of just reading and your child passively listening, ask questions throughout, concentrating on solving problems. –www.empoweredparents.co/problem-solving-activities-preschoolers/

 

 

Activity

Help your child find a favorite book. Ask your child questions similar to these: –Why do you think the mouse did that? –Do you think his friend will be happy? Why? –What do you think would happen if the mouse did something else? – www.empoweredparents.co/problem-solving-activities-preschoolers/

 

Books Presented

Book cover for I am Friendly: Confessions of a Helpful Bear by Kristen Tracy

I am Friendly: Confessions of a Helpful Bear by Kristen Tracy

 
Enveloping readers in a big bear hug, this humorous and heartwarming story follows the adventures of a well-meaning grizzly bear whose good intentions complicate her forest friends’ lives in laugh-out-loud moments.
Book cover for Anonymoose by Shawna J.C. Tenney

Anonymoose by Shawna J.C. Tenney

A humorous, heartfelt story about shyness, blending in, and the courage it takes to step out and speak up when it matters most. Ana Moose feels most comfortable when she is hiding. Hiding is much more fun than knowing what to say or being picked last for the team. She enjoys being “Anonymoose”! Until one day, when she sees her classmate Peter building a fort. A fort could be a very good place to hide! But also, Ana starts to feel a connection with Peter. Will Anonymoose have enough courage to come out of hiding to make a friend?

Book cover for In the Forest by David M. Schwartz

In the Forest by David M. Schwartz

 
Introduces, in simple text and photographs, the characteristics of some of the animals and plants that can be found in the forest. Includes a chipmunk, box turtle, fern, bull moose, moth, ermine, and white birch.
Book cover for The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay

The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay

 
When a mischievous mouse’s action causes a snowball effect and disrupts the peace of the other animals, it is up to the forest and a bear cub to help restore order and quiet once more.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

If You’re Ever in the Forest

(Tune: “Did You Ever See a Lassie?”)
If you’re ever in the forest,
The forest, the forest,
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might see some deer—
A young one and an old one,
And some that can quickly run. (Run in place.)
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might see some deer.

If you’re ever in the forest,
The forest, the forest,
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might see some rabbits.–
They hop here, and they hop there, (Jump like rabbits.)
they hop, hop, hop everywhere.
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might see some rabbits.

 

If you’re ever in the forest,
The forest, the forest,
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might hear some birds.
A tweet here, and a tweet there,
they are flying around everywhere. 
(Fly like bird.)
If you’re ever in the forest.
You might hear some birds.

If you’re ever in the forest,
The forest, the forest,
If you’re ever in the forest,
You’ll surely see lots of trees.
There are tall ones and short ones, 
(Stretch high, and then get low.)
and young ones and old ones.
If you’re ever in the forest.
You surely see lots of tree.

Source: Verona Story Time

There’s Something in the Forest

There’s something in the forest, that I can’t really see. There’s something in the forest. Now what can it be? 

  • I’m an animal who’s big, brown, furry and who, “Roars!”
  • I’m an animal  who has long ears and goes, hop, hop, hop!.
  • I’m an animal who’s small, has a striped back and loves to eat nuts.
  • I’m an animal who looks very huggable but I will poke if you squeeze.
  • I’m an animal who’s tiny and makes very quiet “squeaks”.
  • I’m an animal who chomps on trees and gives my tail a “slap”.
  • I’m an animal who loves water plants and has big decorations on my head.
  • I’m an animal who soars in the air and makes high pitched whistles.

Adapted from Verona Story Time

Crafts and Activities

A coloring page featuring animals in the forest.

Forest Friends Coloring Page

 

 

Paper craft of a nighttime forest with friendly eyes all around.

Forest at Night Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.

Book cover for Animal Hide and Seek by Dahlov Ipcar

Animal Hide & Seek by Dahlov Zorach Ipcar

Sometimes, you need to know what to look for in order to see an animal, even if it’s hiding in plain sight! In Animal Hide and Seek, author and artist Dahlov Ipcar first offers young readers portraits of woodland animals and then, on the companion page, sets the animal into its natural setting, camouflaged for the careful reader to find.

Book cover for In the Quiet Noisy Woods by Michael J. Rosen

In the Quiet, Noisy Woods by Michael J. Rosen

A forest’s quiet chorus of chirps, clicks, and chits change to loud scree-scree-screeches and other noises as two rambunctious wolf pups, separated from their pack, scamper and chase.

Book cover for A Fox Found a Box by Ged Adamson

A Fox Found a Box by Ged Adamson

When a little fox finds a radio, he shares the songs and music with his animal friends, but after it goes quiet, the little fox begins to hear the music found in nature.

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Feelings

Storytime: Feelings

Storytime: Feelings

For a child, feelings can feel all mixed up and jumbled until he recognizes what those feelings are and why he feels a certain way. Helping your child to name their feelings can be the first step in regulating their emotions. Talking about big feelings before they occur can also help. You can find some practical strategies provided by the American Psychological Association here in addition to the activities and books provided below.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Being able to express yourself verbally is an important skill. Anger, frustration, and sadness can cause children to act out if they don’t know how to express those difficult and big emotions in words. By portraying different emotions and talking about them, adults can help children learn to express themselves. ~ Reading Picture Books With Children by Lambert

 

 

Activity

Read “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain or another book about feelings. Then ask your child what makes him sad, happy, or angry and how he acts when he feels that way.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

the Way I Feel by Janan Cain

Illustrations and rhyming text portray children experiencing a range of emotions, including frustration, shyness, jealousy, and pride.
Book cover for Double-Dip Feelings: Stories to Help Children Understand Emotions by Barbara S. Cain

Double Dip Feelings: Stories to Help Children Understand Emotions by Barbara S. Cain

Learning to cope with ambivalence is one of the greatest challenges in a child’s emotional development. In this book, a series of familiar situations illustrate the common yet uncomfortable experience of having two contrasting feelings at the same time. The first day of school brings both pride and fear; the arrival of a new brother or sister can trigger both joy and sadness. These vignettes will help the young child recognize and understand the phenomenon of mixed feelings. In an extensive afterword, psychologist Jane Annunziata offers children guidelines for responding to their conflicting feelings. She also provides parents with concrete suggestions for helping their growing children resolve their struggles with ambivalence on the journey toward emotional maturity.
Book cover for How to Apologize by David LaRochelle

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you’re sorry. From a porcupine who accidentally popped his friend’s balloon to a snail who was running so fast he stepped on a sloth’s toes, hilarious examples and sweet illustrations abound. For both listeners who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that even though apologizing can be hard, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Book cover for If You're Happy and You know It by Jane Cabrera

If You're Happy and You Know It! by Jane Cabrera

An elephant, a monkey, and a giraffe join other animals to sing different verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement. Sing, stomp, and clap along with animal friends in this interactive board book. Nod along with groovy giraffe, flap with baby bird, and roar out loud with lion in this sing-along action book that will put a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re happy and you know it, then this celebration is for you.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Old MacDonald Felt So Glad

(to tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”)
Old MacDonald felt so glad (Happy)
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
And when he’s glad we sign it like this:
Happy Happy Happy
With a Happy Happy here and a Happy Happy there
Here a Happy, there a Happy everywhere a Happy Happy
Old MacDonald felt so glad.
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA

Repeat this, substituting the following emotions and signs:
Grumpy = Grr
Sad = Wah Wah
Silly = Hee Hee

Source: Jen in the Library

Feelings

Sometimes on my face you’ll see (point to face)
How I feel inside of me. (Point to chest)
A smile means happy, a frown means sad, (Smile, then frown)
And when I grit my teeth, I’m mad. (Grit teeth and frown)
When I’m proud I beam and glow (Smile)
But when I’m shy, my head hangs low. (Bow head)

Source: North Olympic Library System

Feelings

Sung to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
I have feelings, so do you.
Let’s all sing about a few.
We get happy, we get sad.
We get scared, we get mad.
I am proud of being me
That’s a feeling, too, you see.
I have feelings, so do you.
We just sang about a few.

Source: North Olympic Library System

Shake My Sillies Out

I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out.

 

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with ice cream sharing many emotions.

Ice Cream Emotions Coloring Page

 

 

Heart craft made with pipe cleaners and beads to encourage children to track their breaths while calming down.

Calm Heart Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Dragons on the Inside (And Other Big Feelings) by Valerie Coulman

Dragons on the Inside (And Other Big Feelings) by Valerie Coulman

This book uses vivid picture scenes to describe a child’s inner feelings during stressful (although not always bad) situations. Dragons roar, storms crash, and bats stare as different situations are resolved (or diminished) through small acts of connection by someone “on the outside.”
Book cover for The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee

The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee

Meet a boy with a heart so big, his feelings glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. What good is this giant heart?
Book cover for Foodie Faces by Bill Wurtzel

Foodie Faces by Bill Wurtzel

Faces made out of everyday fruits, vegetables, grains, and more teach young readers about emotions and healthy eating
Book cover for When an Elephant Hears No by Dazzle Ng

When an Elephant Hears No by Dazzle Ng

Lively illustrations portray the many different instances at which a little elephant…might hear no and the big emotions that often precede and follow the word. Along the way, young readers will learn that no matter what no an elephant faces, instead of answering with flaring ears and a steaming trunk, they may use another word: why?

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Fish

Storytime: Fish

Storytime: Fish

It’s time to explore life in the water! As your child learns about fish, you can talk about how underwater creatures are similar and different to humans, how we can keep their underwater home clean, and other fantastic fish facts!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Looking for different uses of one item encourages creativity in inventiveness, one of the skills that helps children be ready to learn. You will be surprised by how many different things children can imagine and make from a simple hand pattern. Children thrive on encouragement!

 

 

Activity

Read “High Five” by Adam Rubin, or another book about hands with your child. Then show your her how to trace around her own hand, cut it out, and imagine what it can be… a lion head, a jellyfish, a tree, a turkey, or even a FISH!

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Fish Faces by Norbert Wu

Fish Faces by Norbert Wu

The author-photographer, a marine biologist, uses his own photographs to introduce readers to some of the more amusing characteristics of the creatures he’s encountered on his dives.

Book cover for Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins

Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins

 
Little Fish has all sorts of fishy friends in his underwater home, but loves one of them most of all.
Book cover for This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

A little fish thinks he can get away with stealing a hat.

Book cover for Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor

Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor

Ursula is a happy catfish, swimming through a shimmering river with weeds waving above and a sky full of scrumptious bugs below. Then one question turns her world upside down. Is left right? Is right wrong? Which way even is up?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Slippery Fish

Slippery fish, slippery fish, sliding through the water,
Slippery fish, slippery fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by an …

Octopus, octopus, squiggling in the water
Octopus, octopus, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Tuna fish, tuna fish, flashing in the water,
Tuna fish, tuna fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Great white shark, great white shark, lurking in the water,
Great white shark, great white shark, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Humongous whale, humongous whale, spouting in the water,
Humongous whale, humongous whale,
Gulp! … Gulp! … Gulp! … BURP!
(Cover your mouth.) Excuse me!

Source: Amy Liz

Did You Ever See a Fishy?

(Tune of “Did You Ever See a Lassie?”)
Did you ever see a fishy, a fishy, a fishy
Did you ever see a fishy, swim this way and that?
Swim this way and that way, and that way and this way?
Did you ever see a fishy, swim this way and that?

Source: Storytime Katie

Bubble, Bubble, Pop!

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water.

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble…POP!

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a fish swimming above seaweed with bubbles.

Fish Coloring Page

 

 

Fish craft made from tracings of hands.

Handprint Fish Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for High Five by Adam Rubin

High Five by Adam Rubin

Animals present hand slapping skills to readers, just in time for the annual high five contest.

Book cover for What's It Like to Be a Fish? by Wendy Pfeffer

What's It Like to Be a Fish? by Wendy Pfeffer

How can fish live in water? Why don’t they drown? The answer to this fishy question and more can be found in this latest addition to the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. The book clearly explains how a fish’s body is perfectly suited to life underwater, just as our bodies are suited for life on land.

Book cover for The Library Fish by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

The Library Fish by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

 
When Mr. Hughes finds a fish all alone in the library and names her Library Fish, she knows she’s found her true home. Library Fish makes friends in the library and on the bookmobile, checks that books are returned, and absolutely loves story time, when she can listen to all kinds of stories and poems, meet unforgettable characters, and travel around the world and even to other planets! But one day, everything outside is covered in snow and no one comes to the library. Will Library Fish be brave enough to venture outside her fishbowl for the very first time and explore the library she calls home?
Book cover for The Fish of Small Wishes by Elana K. Arnold

The Fish of Small Wishes by Elana K. Arnold

Once, there was a girl named Kiki, who found a fish on the asphalt. The fish was very hot and very dry. But when Kiki put it in the bathtub, it started swimming, and growing, and speaking. “I want to grant you a wish for saving me,” it said. Alas, this fish was only a fish of small wishes, and Kiki’s wish was too big. Unless there was a way for both their dreams to come true.

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

The air gets crisp, the nights grow longer, the leaves turn warm hues of yellow, orange, and red, and the scents of harvest ride the wind! It must be fall! There are so many sensory experiences associated with autumn that can last a lifetime. In addition to the items listed below, you might try some fall literacy activities here.

Also, September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! It’s a great time to visit the library and sign-up your young reader for their very own library card!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Scarves are very versatile and can be almost anything. Today we are going to pretend that our scarves are leaves falling to the ground along with the song, “Leaves Are Falling.” When you play with scarves at home, talk about what else the scarf can be and what you can do with it. This will help develop your child’s imagination and creativity.

 

 

Activity

Using a scarf, follow the actions indicated by the song, “Leaves Are Falling.”

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Rhyming text and illustrations portray the sights and sounds of autumn, from “rakers, leapers, and corn crop reapers” to “trickers, treaters, and turkey eaters.”

Book cover for Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

 
Discusses the life cycle of leaves, describes how they change color in the fall, and provides instructions for an autumn art project.
Book cover for Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Fall is here, with all its wonderful visual delights–not just colors, but shapes! This clever concept book follows a family on a trip to a pumpkin patch and invites children to pick out shapes from the seasonal scenery–apple bushel circles, square hay bales, diamond kites in the autumn sky!

Book cover for The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

 
Squirrel enjoys looking at the beautiful, colorful leaves, but everyday more and more disappear which makes him think someone is stealing them. Includes information on seasonal leaf loss in Autumn.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Leaves Are Falling

(Tune: London Bridge)
Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down, all around the town.

The wind will blow them round and round, round and round, round and round
The wind will blow them round and round all around the town.

They’re drifting gently to the ground, to the ground, to the ground
They’re drifting gently to the ground, all around the town.

Take a rake a rake them up, rake them up, rake them up,
Take a rake and rake them up all around the town.

Source: Jbrary

Leaves Are Turning

(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)
The leaves are turning red,
The leaves are turning red,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning red.

The leaves are turning yellow,
The leaves are turning yellow,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning yellow.

The leaves are turning orange,
The leaves are turning orange,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning orange.

The leaves are turning brown,
The leaves are turning brown,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning brown.

Source: King County Library System

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)
Once you were a seed so small (pinch fingers together)
Now you are a great big ball (make a big circle overhead)
Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)

Source: Storytime Katie

Look and see

Look and see, look and see! 
Can you find my leaf for me? 
Is it under the ___ ?

Source: The Librarian Is on The Loose

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

Source: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

A coloring page featuring a squirrel gathering acorns during the fall.

Fall Squirrel Coloring Page

 

 

A fall tree craft made by tearing colored tissue paper for the leaves and gluing them to the tree.

Fall Leaf Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Simple text and photographs explore the science behind the transformation that trees undergo in the fall.

Book cover for Leaves by David Ezra Stein

Leaves by David Ezra Stein

A curious bear observes how leaves change throughout the seasons.

Book cover for Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

A man made of leaves blows away, traveling wherever the wind may take him. On die-cut pages.

Book cover for Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

 
Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. “All leaves fall in the fall,” say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

Soup is always a good idea! Not only is it delicious and comforting on a cold, chilly day, but making it together with your child becomes a recipe for learning and development experiences. These can include nutritional awareness, healthy eating habits, enhanced motor...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The very first step is to talk about different emotions. Try using simple hand gestures or signs for each emotion as you read a book or look at pictures. For more information, visit the American Psychological Association at https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/emotion-regulation for more information.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Early experiences help to form the architecture of the brain and lay a strong foundation for both social and emotional development. Playing with children at a young age, experiencing the fun of taking turns and sharing, and discovering that it is fun to pass the ball to someone else and then get it back are great ways to learn important social and emotional skills. ~Reading Picture Books with Children by Lambert

 

Activity

With family members or friends, sit in a circle on the floor, and roll a ball to one anther while singing, “Roll that Round Ball.” Continue until everyone has had a chance to start rolling the ball.

Books Presented

Book cover for Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear’s animal friends come to his rescue when he becomes lost and frightened in the woods.
Book cover for Glad Monster, Sad Monster: A Book About Feelings by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda

Glad Monster, Sad Monster: A Book About Feelings by Ed Emberley

Monsters of different colors explain what makes them feel glad, sad, loving, worried, silly, and angry. Fold-out masks encourage readers to talk about their feelings.

Book cover for If You're Happy and You know It by Jane Cabrera

If You're Happy and You Know It! by Jane Cabrera

An elephant, a monkey, and a giraffe join other animals to sing different verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement. Sing, stomp, and clap along with animal friends in this interactive board book. Nod along with groovy giraffe, flap with baby bird, and roar out loud with lion in this sing-along action book that will put a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re happy and you know it, then this celebration is for you.
Book cover for Feelings are Wild by Sophy Williams

Feelings are Wild by Sophy Williams

It’s true! Feelings are wild! But whether we are grumpy or glad, brave or sad, with a big hug, a kind word, or a little time we can embrace all our wild and wonderful emotions. A warm and playful counting book to help little kids understand their big feelings.

Book cover for Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton

Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton

Clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings.
Book cover for The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

Children express different moods, including “I feel very mad,” “I feel like reading books all day,” and “I feel like wearing funny underwear.”
Book cover for Never Touch the Grumpy Pets by Stuart Lynch

Never Touch the Grumpy Pets by Lynch Stuart

A rhyming story that counts down the woes of an unhappy group of five pets.

Book cover for Baby Feels by Thalita Dol

Baby Feels by Thalita Dol

Thalita Dol’s debut picture book, Baby Feels, is a book about feelings, but with a twist: it shows not only the basic feelings we usually see in similar books, but also those that aren’t always discussed. By showing these feelings that are very present in a baby’s daily life, this adorable board book will help care givers acknowledge their babies’ emotions.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Roll That Round Ball

(Tune: London Bridge)
Roll that round ball down to town,
Down to town, down to town,
Roll that round ball down to town,
Then roll it back to (name of person who rolled the ball first). 

Old MacDonald Felt so Glad

(to tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”)
Old MacDonald felt so glad (Happy)
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
And when he’s glad we sign it like this:
Happy Happy Happy
With a Happy Happy here and a Happy Happy there
Here a Happy, there a Happy everywhere a Happy Happy
Old MacDonald felt so glad.
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA

Repeat this, substituting the following emotions and signs:
Grumpy = Grr
Sad = Wah Wah
Silly = Hee Hee

Source: Jen in the Library

A Farmer Went Trotting

A farmer went trotting
(Bounce baby on lap, facing you)
Upon his gray mare
With his daughter behind him
So rosy and fair
Then a duck cried out, “Quack!”
(Lift baby up)
And they all tumbled down
(Slide baby down your shins) 
Off of the horse
And upside down!
(Tip baby gently backwards!)

Source: Orem Library

Round and Round the Garden

Round and round the garden goes the little bear
(Hold child’s hand with palm facing up and tickle with your fingers in a circular motion)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up arm)
And tickly under there! (Tickle underarm)

Round and round the haystack went the little mouse (Move fingers in walking motion around child’s tummy)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up body towards neck)
Into his little house (Tickle under neck)

Round and round the lighthouse up the spiral stair (Move fingers in walking motion around child’s feet)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up legs towards tummy)
And right up in the air! (Tickle child’s tummy)

Source: Parenthub

Two Little Black Bears Sitting on a Hill

Two little black bears sitting on a hill,
One named Jack and one named Phil,
Run away Jack, run away Phil.
Come back Jack, come back Phil.

Two little black bears digging in the snow
One named Fast and one named Slow…

Two little black bears feeling very proud
One named Quiet and one named Loud..

Source: Jbrary

Two Little Eyes

Two little eyes to look around
Two little ears to hear each sound
One little nose to smell what’s sweet
And one little mouth that likes to eat.

Source: Jbrary

Jump Up, Turn Around

From Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes…
Simple motions and a simply rhyme.
Say it as you play it and repeat two times.
Jump up
Turn around
Clap your hands
Stamp the ground
REPEAT
Let’s play it again, but this time try
To say it as you play and stretch your arms up high.
Let me suggest that this time you might
Say it as you play it with your eyes
closed tight.
Get ready my friends to take a deep breath
Because I challenge you to play it as you hold your breath.

Baby Sign Language

Sign for CLAPPING

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SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Let’s go on a cosmic adventure… with a parachute! You don’t need a parachute for the following activities. You can use a sheet or tablecloth. If you don’t have enough participants to lift it, securely tie the end to the legs of a sofa, bed, or table and watch the fun begin!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

A favorite game of many children, this exciting rhyme lets the children help count down from five to a blast-off at zero. They know what will happen when the count reaches zero, but the anticipation while counting makes this rhyme a great skill builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place. – “Reading Picture Books with Children” by Lambert

 

 

Activity

Give your child a cardboard tube or scarf and pretend it is a rocket ship or she is the astronaut at the controls. Ask her to count down with you and then lift your rockets high on blastoff. Or you can squat down with your child pretending to be a rocket, and jump up on blastoff.

Books Presented

Book cover for Pop Up Peekaboo Space

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Space

5,4,3,2,1 – blast off! Go on an out-of-this-world adventure with two brave astronauts, Daisy and Danny, in this lift-the-flap baby book. Rocket into space, past the stars and planets, and join them as they land on the moon. Discover brave astronauts, space rockets and funny alien spaceships in this imaginative pop-up book! Babies and toddlers can lift the flaps and watch them pop up from the page. This peekaboo picture book helps teach young children object permanence, which is an important step in childhood development. The simple rhyming text will boost your little one’s imagination as they guess which intergalactic character is hiding under the flaps. The easy-to-read text helps preschoolers remember the new words they are learning for early language development. Turning the sturdy, board book pages and moving the pop-ups help toddlers develop motor control for improved dexterity.

Book cover for Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

 
Gail, an adventurous snail, is willing to do what it takes to achieve her dream of traveling to outer space.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Universe Song

Tune: Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Oh the universe is great and the universe is far
There’s a whole lot planets and galaxies and stars
And we live right here on a planet called, Earth
and this is what we do our space adventure.
We take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down,
take the rocket ship up,
take the rocket ship down
Take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down
and we turn around.

If You’re Happy and You Know It! Space Adventure

If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want to travel far and circle round the stars
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high

Verses: shake it fast, shake it slow

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom, 
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take a trip, 
Climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom, zoom, zoom! We’re going to the moon!

Far, far far, We’re going to the stars…

Fun, fun, fun, We’re going to the sun…

Source: Jbrary
Extra verses

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring an astronaut in space.

Astronaut in Space Coloring page

 

 

Paper craft with a spaceship flying through space.

Flying Spaceship Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella loves the wonders of Outer Space, but it is only when she meets a fellow space traveler looking for a planet that her eyes are opened to the wonders of Earth.
Book cover for Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

 
A little pig imagines what it would be like to be a daring astronaut.
Book cover for Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Angry at being downgraded to a dwarf planet by Earth scientists, Pluto travels through the solar system, asking other planets along the way for support, in hopes of regaining his planetary status.
Book cover for Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

During a visit to a space museum, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about planets, space crafts, space suits, and even dirty snowballs (i.e. comets)!

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