Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

V is for Violins! The violin is a string instrument. It has a wooden body and four tight strings, the musical sounds come from the vibrations of those strings. Vibrations can be made by plucking the strings or using a bow. Not all instruments have strings but all of them make music through vibrations. The vibrations can be made by air, hitting a drum, through metal, or even the vibrations of vocal chords when you sing. Have fun with your children and make some music. It doesn’t have to be concert worthy, just have fun!

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

Even if you can’t sing on key, be sure to sing to your child! Your child is not looking for a concert-quality song; he wats familiar sounds from a person who means a great deal to him. Singing together can be great fun; it doesn’t require any special equipment or cost any money.

Activity

Sing “The Wheels on the Bus” using motions. Then try “The Band on the Bus” and create motions for the different instruments.

Books Presented

Book cover for A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey by Pilar Winter Hill.

A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey by Pilar Winter Hill

As she walks with her mother to a farmer’s market, Penelope hears the melodies of the city from musicians, bicycle bells, and more until one instrument beckons and fills her with magic. Includes author’s note about her first encounter with the violin.
Book cover for My Family Plays Music by Judy Cox.

My Family Plays Music by Judy Cox

A musical family with talents for playing a variety of instruments enjoys getting together to celebrate.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Band on the Bus

Tune: The Wheels on the Bus
The Saxophone on the bus goes
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
The Saxophone on the bus goes
Toot-a-toot-swoosh all through the town.

The Drum on the bus goes
Boom-bam-boom
Boom-bam-boom
Boom-bam-boom
The Drum on the bus goes
Boom-bam-boom all through the town.

The Flute on the bus goes
Flutter-flutter-whiz
Flutter-flutter-whiz
Flutter-flutter-whiz
The Flute on the bus goes
Flutter-flutter-whiz all through the town.

 

The Guitar on the bus goes
Twang-thump-twang
Twang-thump-twang
Twang-thump-twang
The Guitar on the bus goes
Twang-thump-twang all through the town.

The Cello on the bus goes
Pluck-pluck-pluck
Pluck-pluck-pluck
Pluck-pluck-pluck
The Cello on the bus goes
Pluck-pluck-pluck all through the town.

The Violin on the bus goes
Zing-hum-ding
Zing-hum-ding
Zing-hum-ding
The Violin on the bus goes
Zing-hum-ding all through the town.

Source: Pasadena Library

Crafts and Activities

Violin coloring page featuring Grover on the violin.

V is for Violin

A pellet drum made from paper plates, yarn, beads, and a straw.

Pellet Drum Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin by Lloyd Moss.

Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin by Lloyd Moss

Ten instruments take their parts one by one in a musical performance.
Book cover for The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom by Colleen A.F. Venable.

The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom by Colleen A.F. Venable

The band is assembled and the band director is ready to tell you all about the instruments, but an enthusiastic little drummer girl keeps interrupting
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.
Book cover for Tanka Tanka Skunk! by Steve Webb.

Tanka Tanka Skunk! by Steve Webb

Uses animal names to introduce rhythmic language and rhyme, as Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunk play drums to keep the beat.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

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September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

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Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

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July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: V is for Valentine’s

Storytime: V is for Valentine’s

Storytime: V is for Valentine’s

V is for Valentine’s! Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, but that doesn’t mean it is all mushy stuff. It is just as important to celebrate the love shown to children from caring adults and between friends. You don’t have to celebrate with gifts, kind words and actions go a long way in letting people know you care. So spread a little love in the world and maybe enjoy a new book about Valentine’s Day.

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

Scientific studies have shown that children develop best when they have a strong, positive relationship with a nurturing adult. This helps not only their physical development, but their intellectual development as well. Hugs and kisses and be just as important as flash cards in getting a child ready for success in school. – “Reading Picture Books With Children” Megan Lambert

Activity

With your child, sing and dance to the song rhyme, “Skidamarink a-dink, a-dink,” and give your child a hug every time you sing, “I love you!”

Books Presented

Book cover for Mr. Goat's Valentine by Eve Bunting

Mr. Goat's Valentine by Eve Bunting

When Mr. Goat learns that it’s Valentine’s Day, he sets out in search of gifts for his first love, but his choices are a little unconventional

Book cover for Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang

Jim Panzee is very grumpy about Valentine’s Day until his buddy Norman shows him that the holiday is for everyone
Book cover for Valenslime by Joy Keller

Valenslime by Joy Keller

Ever since Victoria Franken brought her slime to life she and Goop have been great friends, but after realizing on Valentine’s Day that while she had many friends, Goop only had her, she tries to create a new slime friend for him.

Book cover for If You Were My Valentine by Lynn Plourde

If You Were My Valentine by Lynn Plourde

Big animals show how they’d give their love to little animals for Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Heart On Your Nose

Tune: If You’re Happy
Put your heart on your nose, on your nose.
Put your heart on your nose, on your nose.
It’s a heart for love and friendship
And a hug for everyone
Put your heart on your nose, on your nose.
Toes… Head… Knee… 

I Can Hug

I can hug, hug, hug
I can hop, hop, hop
I can kiss, kiss, kiss
I can stop, stop, stop
I can nod my head for yes,
And I can shake my head no,
I can sit down very, very slow.

Valentine Rhymes

This valentine is shaped like a square.
This valentine is shaped like a bear.
This valentine is shaped like a circle.
This valentine is the color purple.
This valentine is shaped like a rectangle.
This valentine is shaped like a triangle.
This valentine is shaped like a dove.
This valentine is made with love.

Five Little Hearts

Tune of “Five Little Ducks”
Down around the corner at the Valentine shop
Were five little hearts with polka dots.
Along came Mommy with a nickel to pay
And she bought a Valentine and took it away.

Little Heart

I have a little heart, (place hand over heart)
And it goes thump, thump, thump (pat chest three times)
It keeps right on beating,
When I jump, jump, jump (jump three times)
I get a special feeling, when I look at you. (point to child)
It makes me want to give you a hug or two. (hug yourself)

Source: Jbrary

Heart

I put my hands together
(hold palms together)
This is how I start
I curve my fingers right around
(make heart with fingers)
And I can make a heart!

Source: Adventures of a Bookworm

Skidamarink

Skidamarink a-dink, a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you.
Skidamarink a-dink, a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you.
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon.
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon.
Oh, skidamarink a-dink, a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you.

Crafts and Activities

Gnome Valentine Coloring Page

V is for Valentine's

Kids Valentine's Day Garland

Valentine's Necklace or Garland

Additional Books

Book cover for How to Help a Cupid by Sue Fliess

How to Help a Cupid by Sue Fliess

Valentine’s Day is all about showing kindness to the most important people in your life–and if you’re caring and thoughtful, you can help Cupid spread love and happiness, too!

Book cover for I Love You A Rebus Poem by Jean Marzollo

I Love You: A Rebus Poem by Jean Marzollo

A poem with a rebus format, in which the speaker professes love equal to that of a bird for a tree, a flower for a bee, and a lock for a key.
Book cover for Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! by Doreen Cronin

Click, Clack, Moo: I Love You! by Doreen Cronin

Little Duck is working hard making valentines for everyone and decorating for the Valentine’s Day dance, but what happens when an unexpected guest arrives?

Book cover for When an Elephant Falls in Love by Davide Cali

When an Elephant Falls in Love by Davide Cali

When an elephant falls in love, he does many foolish things, and never tells her how he feels–until one day the doorbell rings.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

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Story Time: A is for Alligator

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Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

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July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: V is for Veggies

Storytime: V is for Veggies

Storytime: V is for Veggies

Is it a vegetable or a fruit? Either way, vegetables are delicious, healthy, and fun to talk about with your child. Try asking open-ended questions with her about her favorite vegetables, where they come from, and their differences and similarities in taste. Or perhaps, you could talk about sequencing or the order of steps in a recipe while you prepare a pot of vegetable soup together.

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

Helping children see the order in which things take place, whether in books like “Eat Your Veggies, Goldilocks” by Steve Smallman or “Pumpkin, Pumpkin” by Jeanne Titherington, in a recipe, or in the sequence of the day, helps them develop the mathematical concept of sequencing. ~ Lambert

Activity

With your child, draw a set of pictures for the events of the day, such as make the bed, get dressed, brush your teeth, put away toys, etc. Then help him organize the pictures in sequential order and display them in a conspicuous place for him to observe during the day.

Books Presented

Book cover for Eat Your Veggies, Goldilocks by Steve Smallman

Eat Your Veggies, Goldilocks by Steve Smallman

In this version Goldilocks runs away and falls asleep in a cottage where the bears live after her parents refuse to give her cookies and ice cream for breakfast. The bears introduce her to healthy eating habits.

Book cover for Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

A father and child grow vegetables and then make them into a soup.
Book cover for Seeds by Carme Lemniscates

Seeds by Carme Lemniscartes

Seeds harbor immense potential. They defy their size by sprouting and growing into plants. And these plants develop beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. Even in the most unlikely environments, seeds manage to thrive. Like seeds, we can cultivate and nurture something wonderful. There is much we can learn from seeds.

Book cover for Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Fruits and Veggies Unite!

Form banana, form, form banana
form banana, form, form, banana
Peel banana, peel, peel banana
peel banana, peel, peel banana
Go bananas, go, go, bananas
Go bananas, go, go, bananas

Form zucchini, form, form zucchini
Form zucchini, form, form zucchini
Slice zucchini, slice, slice zucchini
Slice zucchini, slice, slice zucchini
Eat zucchini,eat, eat, zucchini
Eat zucchini, eat, eat, zucchini

 Form the corn, form form the corn
Form the corn, form form the corn
Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn
Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn
Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn
Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn

Form potato, form, form potato
Form potato, form, form potato
Peel potato, peel, peel potato
Peel potato, peel, peel potato
Mash potato, mash, mash potato
mash potato, mash, mash potato

Source: Jbrary

Vegetable Riddles

I’m red and round,
I also have seeds.
Sliced up in salads,
Is where you’ll see me!

I’m a root vegetable,
I can be red, white or green.
I can make you cry
When you cut into me!

I grow underground,
But I have skin and eyes.
I can be roasted or mashed,
Or made into fries!

Rabbits like to eat me
When I grow in a field.
I’m an orange vegetable.
I taste best when I’m peeled!

I’m yellow and yummy,
I grow on a stalk.
You can eat me on the cob,
Or cook me in a pot!

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

The Veggies in the Soup

To the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”
The carrots go in the soup, the carrots go in the soup,
We’ll stir and stir and stir some more
When the carrots are in the soup!
(repeat with other vegetables)

Now the soup is done, now the soup is done
We’ll eat and eat and eat some more
Now that the soup is done. YUM!

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

Green zucchini

Tune: Alouette
Green zucchini, I like green zucchini
Green zucchini, that’s what I like best.
Do you like it on your head?
Yes, I like it on my head. 
On your head? On my head.
Oooooohhhhhh
Verses: yellow corn, orange carrots, red bell peppers, purple eggplant

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring vegetables.

V is for Veggies

3D paper bell pepper craft.

3D Pop Up Peppers

Additional Books

Book cover for Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks

Monster Don't Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks

The waitress in this restaurant just doesn’t have a clue. Monsters don’t eat broccoli. How could she think we do? These fearsome but finicky monsters insist they don’t like food from the garden–leave that to the humans. They’d rather snack on tractors or a rocket ship or two, or tender trailer tidbits or a wheely, steely stew. But boy, do those trees they’re munching on look an awful lot like broccoli. Maybe vegetables aren’t so bad after all.

Book cover for Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington

Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington

Jamie plants a pumpkin seed and, after watching it grow, carves it, and saves some seeds to plant in the spring.
Book cover for No Nibbling by Beth Ferry

No Nibbling! by Beth Ferry

Derwood the goat has planted a garden and is prepared to defend it from all nibblers, including Tabitha the bunny, whom Derwood is convinced has designs on his growing vegetables; she teases him as the months go by, but after she helps him with the weeding the two become friends and share the feast.

Book cover for No-Dig Children's Gardening Book by Charles Dowding

No-Dig Children's Gardening Book by Charles Dowding

No matter where you garden, it’s easier without digging or weeding! Learn about helpful creatures, soil health, compost and plants that are good for wildlife.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

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 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

The concept of loud and soft plays an important role in music and throughout life. Children need to know when a loud voice is ok and when a soft voice is required. Through music, they can have fun learning the difference between loud and soft. ~Reading Picture Books With Children by Lambert

Activity

Recite the rhyming fingerplay, “Two Little Blackbirds Sitting on a Cloud,” with your child using the indicated movements. When you recite it, say the words, “soft” softly and “loud” loudly.

Books Presented

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig

Easy-to-read, rhyming text depicts different animals dancing.
Book Cover for Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Jane Cabrera

Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Jane Cabrera

In this expansion of a familiar song, the occupants of a rowboat enjoy seeing and making the sounds of different jungle animals
Book cover for I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison

On a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other children join her.
Book cover for Move! by Steve Jenkins

Move! by Steve Jenkins

Learn about how different animals move.
Book cover for Hop, Hop, Jump! by Lauren Thompson

Hop, Hop, Jump! by Lauren Thompson

Rhyming text, accompanied by labeled illustrations that identify parts of the body, encourages readers to wiggle and twist, stomp and zig-zag, and hug and shrug.
Book cover for How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle

How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle

A young boy who likes to “wokka-wokka, shimmy-shake, and shocka-shocka” gathers his neighbors together for a surprise celebration.
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 Hope a Little, Jump a Little! by Annie Kubler

Hope a Little, Jump a Little! by Annie Kubler

Simple rhymes describe the different ways babies and toddlers can move around.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy

Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy, All pop down.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy, All pop up.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy, All pop in.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy, All pop out.

Source: King County Library System

Two Little Blackbirds

Two little black birds sitting on a cloud. (Hold fists with extended index fingers in front.)
One named Soft (Wiggle one finger.)
The other named Loud. (Wiggle 2nd finger.)
Fly away, Soft. (Hide 1st  finger behind back.)
Fly away Loud.(Hide 2nd  finger behind back.)
Come back, Soft. (Bring 1st finger back to front.)
Come back, Loud. (Bring 2nd finger back to front.)

 

Acka Backa Soda Cracker

Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo, (lean forward on ‘boo‘)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
I love you! (kiss baby’s head or hug baby)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo, (lean backwards on ‘boo‘)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Up goes you! (lift baby up)

Source: Jbrary

Dancing with Bears

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 Dancing with bears
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 Dancing round chairs
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 That’s what we’ll do
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 Dancing with you.

Source: Jbrary

Five green and speckled frogs

Five green and speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log
Eating the most delicious bugs – YUM YUM
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Now there are only four speckled frogs – GLUB GLUB GLUB

1, 2, 3 Doggie’s Got a Flea

One, two, three
Doggie’s got a flea, doggie’s got a flea
And now it’s on me!
One, two, three
Doggie’s got a flea, doggie’s got a flea
And now it’s on me!
It’s on my nose, It’s on my toes,
It’s on my ear, It’s over here
It’s on my tum, It’s on my thumb
One, two, three
Doggie’s got a flea, doggie’s got a flea
And now it’s on me!
One, two, three
Doggie’s got a flea, doggie’s got a flea
And now it’s on me!

Source: Jbrary

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

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...

Storytime: D is for Disguise

Storytime: D is for Disguise

Storytime: D is for Disguise

Have you ever worn a disguise? Dressed up in a costume or worn a mask? Disguises can change what you look like or help you blend in with your environment. For people this means special clothes or maybe a mustache. But animals sometimes use disguises too, and we call it camouflage. Camouflage is a survival strategy and widespread in the animal kingdom. Animals might use camouflage to hide from predators or sneak up on prey. Some use it to pretend to be a more dangerous animal instead of a tasty snack.

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

Some Children love to sit and listen to books, and some find other activities more interesting. Help your children enjoy books by having them participate. Ask them to join in saying a repeated phrase. ~ Lambert

Activity

Read the book “Run, Turkey, Run!”, or any book with a repeated phrase. Have the children say the repeated phrase as you read.

Books Presented

Book cover for Animal Disguises by Natalie Hyde

Animal Disguises by Natalie Hyde

Why would an animal need a disguise? This intriguing book features the fascinating ways some animals use camouflage or mimicry to conceal themselves for protection from predators, or as a way to attract prey or a mate.

Book cover for Look at Me! Look at Me! by Rose Williamson

Look at Me! Look at Me! by Rose Williamson

Cammy Chameleon has been blending in all her life to help her catch bugs, but lately it seems like no one is paying attention to her. One day, Cammy has an idea. She carefully concentrates and then, suddenly, she turns bright red. Soon Cammy realizes that showing off isn’t always worth it and that she can be happy being a regular chameleon again–at least most of the time
Book cover of First Day of Unicorn School by Jess Hernandez

First Day of Unicorn School by Jess Hernandez

Milly is thrilled to be accepted into the elite Unicorn School, although she is a donkey in disguise, but her first day reveals she has much in common with her fellow newcomers.

Book cover for Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr

Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr

The day before Thanksgiving, Turkey tries to disguise himself as other animals in order to avoid being caught by the farmer.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Cammy Chameleon

I’m Cammy Chameleon
My tongue goes SNAP!
I can change my colors
When I hear a loud CLAP!

Camouflage Rhyme

Oh where oh where can my little frog be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his big, buggy eyes
And his smooth, brown skin
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my tiger be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his stripey fur
And his big, sharp teeth
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my owl be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his amber eyes
And his short, curved beak
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my gecko be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his leaf shaped tail
And his sticky toes
Oh where oh where can he be?

Source: Library Bonanza

Unicorn, Unicorn

Unicorn, Unicorn, turn around
Unicorn, Unicorn, touch the ground
Unicorn, Unicorn, reach up high
Unicorn, Unicorn, touch the sky
Unicorn, Unicorn, bend down low
Unicorn, Unicorn, touch your toes

Source: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a turkey wearing a disguise and holding a sign that says I'm not a turkey.

D is for Disguise

Storytime craft where you match animals to their patterns and then create a pattern to camouflage your own creature.

Camouflage Creature Craft

Cut out the animals and then match them to the squares that would provide them with camouflage. Then use the blank square and blank animal to create your own camouflage pattern.

Additional Books

Book cover for Spectacular Spots by Susan Stockdale

Spectacular Spots by Susan Stockdale

Susan Stockdale brings to life a patterned parade of animals, showing young readers some of the many reasons spots are found so often in nature. Bouncy, alliterative rhyme and simple phrases keep readers entertained, while back matter provides more in-depth information on each featured animal.

Book cover for Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro

Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro

Tired of always changing colors, Chameleon is surprised to discover that other jungle animals are bored with their appearances, and he sets out to make each whatever color and pattern he or she wishes.
Book cover for Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) by Helen Yoon

Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) by Helen Yoon

Hungry Wolf disguises himself as a sheep and nobody suspects a thing! (Or do they?) Wolf dreams of tasty sheep–sheep sandwiches, sheep sushi, sheep tacos! In his clever sheep costume, he infiltrates the friendly neighborhood herd, blending in by helping with chores, reading bedtime stories to the lambs, and working up a sweat in sheep aerobics class. Wolf’s sneaky plan works so well, he becomes part of the family. And suddenly, the sheep don’t seem quite as tasty. . . . With a charming twist ending and lots of visual fun–including the running theme of Wolf’s disguise not being quite as convincing as he thinks–this hilarious take on the wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing will have readers howling for more.

Book cover for Find Fergus by Mike Boldt

Find Fergus by Mike Boldt

Fergus the bear wants to play hide and seek with the reader, but will need help–and practice–to hide well.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: D is for Dirt

Storytime: D is for Dirt

Storytime: D is for Dirt

Let’s play in the dirt! Soil, mud, and yes, dirt can be a exploration canvas for your child as he engages in sensory experiences, discovers hidden treasures, and learns about the world underneath his feet. You can also create an indoor sensory experience with dirt playdough, spoons, rocks, toy trucks, etc. Using coffee grinds, sand, brown food coloring, or “clean” dirt in a simple salt dough recipe will turn play dough time into a seriously dirty and muddy experience.

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

We often want to build on our children’s curiosity, but don’t always know the answers to their questions. We can often discover the answers together in books. Knowledge about the world, even in very young children, is key to understanding. Combining a story and a factual book on nature or science helps expand children’s scientific knowledge. ~Lambert

Activity

Read a fiction book like, “Roy Digs Dirt,” with your child. Then read a factual non-fiction book about soil such as, “Under Your Feet.” Talk about soil, what creatures use it as their home, how it is made, etc. You may also want to follow up with the video song by Clint and Bob Moffatt, “Digging in the Dirt.”

Books Presented

Cover of the book Dig In! by Cynthia L. Jenson-Elliott

Dig In! by Cynthia L. Jenson-Elliott

A little boy digs, plays, and explores in his garden.

Book Cover of Roy Digs Dirt by David Shannon

Roy Digs Dirt by David Shannon

Roy is a West Highland terrier who loves to dig in the dirt and mud; sometimes he buries things, and sometimes he finds things, but mostly he just likes to dig–even though he does not like the bath that may follow the digging.
Book Cover of I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan

I'm Dirty by Kate McMullan

A busy backhoe loader describes all the items it hauls off a lot and all the fun it has getting dirty while doing so.

Book cover of The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems

The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems

The Pigeon is dirty and he needs a bath, but he won’t go willingly

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Pigs So Squeaky Clean

Tune: Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Five pigs so squeaky clean
Cleanest you’ve ever seen.
Wanted to go outside and play.
Oink! Oink!
One jumped into the mud.
Landed with a great big THUD
Now there are four  clean squeaky pigs.

Source: Verona Storytime

Five Elephants in the Tub

One elephant in the tub
Going for a swim,
Knock-knock (clap twice), splash-splash (slap knees twice),
Come on in! Ohhhh elephant!

2 . . . 3 . . . 4

Five elephants in the tub
Going for a swim,
Knock-knock (clap twice), splash-splash (slap knees twice),
And they all FELL IN!

Source: Verona Storytime

Crafts and Activities

Jack Russel Terrier digging a hole coloring page

D is for Dirt

Dump Truck Craft

Dump Truck Craft

Make a dump truck from a paper plate

Additional Books

Book cover for Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

When a field mouse asks Carl the earthworm why he tunnels through the dirt, Carl doesn’t have an answer, so he sets off to find out.

Book Cover for Under Your Feet by Jacqueline L. Stroud

Under Your Feet by Jacqueline L. Stroud

 
Down where worms wriggle and microbes squirm, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered… Under Your Feet delves beneath the Earth’s surface and explores the diverse wonders hidden there. Encounter creatures of the deep and marvel at the mind-boggling size of the humongous fungus–the biggest organism in the world. Learn how one handful of ordinary soil contains more organisms than there are people on Earth, and carry out experiments using dirt from your own back garden. Under Your Feet offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the natural world and soil-dwelling creatures big and small. Bursting with colorful illustrations and photography, this is the perfect book for budding young plant experts, animal fanatics, and geologists, and anyone who is curious about the ground we walk on.
Book cover for Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold

Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold

A little girl who loves playing in the dirt becomes a tree.

Book Cover for Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

When a white dog with black spots runs away from home, he gets so dirty his family doesn’t recognize him as a black dog with white spots.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: D is for Dinosaurs

Storytime: D is for Dinosaurs

Storytime: D is for Dinosaurs

Is your child a member of the dinosaur fan club? If not, check out some of these fantastic books and doing the activities at home. It’s great to talk about the many characteristic’s of dinosaurs and what clues they left giving evidence of their existence.

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 coordinate small muscles in hands and fingers enables children to hold things, cut with scissors, tie their shoes, and fasten buttons. “Where is thumbkin?” starts as a simple activity but soon develops into a complicated exercise as more fingers are used. Development of fine motor skills also helps children to write. ~Lambert

Activity

Sing “Where is Thumbkin?” with your child. Just sing the first verse using only your thumb. Then, when your child s old enough, she might enjoy singing all of the verses using the corresponding fingers.

Books Presented

Book cover of Dino Tracks by Rhonda Lucas Donald.

Dino Tracks by Rhonda Lucas Donald

Step back in time and follow dinosaur tracks around the world. Whether made by a few dinosaurs or large groups, these tracks provide clues to the movement and behavior of these lovable ancient creatures. What dinosaurs made the tracks and what do scientists think they were doing when they made them? The author tells the story in rhythmic rhyme that may be sung to the tune of Over the River and Through the Woods.

Book cover of Crunch, the Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap

Crunch, the Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap

Advises the reader on how to interact with a very shy dinosaur.
Book cover of Dino Dancing by Lisa Wheeler

Dino-dancing by Lisa Wheeler

Dinosaurs compete in genres of dance from hip-hop to ballet to swing dancing and more at the Dino-Dancing Finale

Book cover of One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman

One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman

Look there, in a child’s bedroom, where some prehistoric pals are gathered in a counting game. Nine dinosaurs are playing a sing-song rendition of hide-and-seek – but something isn’t adding up. Where is number ten? Stomp, stomp, stomp! CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP! Ready or not, here he comes, and he sounds . . . big! With big, bold numerals, an array of dinosaurs in comical poses, and a humorous twist at the end, this tribute to a child’s imagination makes learning numbers a gigantic treat.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

One Dinosaur Went Out to Play

One dinosaur went out to play
On a giant fern one day
She had such enormous fun
That she called for another dino to come:

Raise hands to cup mouth, and call loudly: Oh, Diiiiiiiiiinosaur!
Slap hands on thighs to make “running” sounds.

Two dinosaurs went out to play…
Three dinosaurs…
Four dinosaurs…

Five dinosaurs went out to play
On a giant fern one day
They had such enormous fun
That they played until the day was done!

Source: Mel’s Desk Baby Storytime

Daisy the Dinosaur

I’m Daisy, the Dinosaur.
From an egg, I hatched.
I can change my color 
When I hear a loud, CLAP!

Crafts and Activities

Letter D is for Dinosaur coloring page

D is for Dinosaur

Picture example of Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils Kids Craft

Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossil

Make some fun dino fossils out of salt dough.

Additional Books

Book cover of Dinosong by Tim McCanna

Dinosong by Tim McCanna

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text follow three dinosaurs–a triceratops, sauropod, and ankylosaur–as they make their way through a dangerous, rock-strewn environment. Includes facts about rocks and minerals.

Book cover of Chill Chomp Chill! by Chris Ayala-Kronos

Chill Chomp Chill! by Chris Ayala-Kronos

Going through tough and relatable preschool experiences, Chomp the T. rex learns how to use mindfulness as a tool to better understand his emotions, in this picture book that helps children manage their feelings in sticky situations.
Book cover of Dinosaurs Don't Exist by Mark Janssen

Dinosaurs Don't Exist by Mark Janssen

Two brothers set off on a pretend expedition to find dinosaurs. Of course, everyone knows dinosaurs don’t exist, so there’s no need to be scared–or is there?

Book cover of Have You Seen Dinosaur? by David Barrow

Have You Seen Dinosaur? by David Barrow

Best friends boy, dog and elephant are VERY good at hide-and-seek. There’s a missing dinosaur in the city – who better to spot this elusive giant? They search the skate park, the museum, the subway … No one in the city can spot the dinosaur, not even this crack hide-and-seek team. But delighted readers will be pointing ‘There it is!’ from the first page

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

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

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

Being able to coordinate small muscles in hands and fingers enables children to hold things, cut with scissors, tie their shoes, and fasten buttons. “Where is thumbkin?” starts as a simple activity but soon develops into a complicated exercise as more fingers are used. Development of fine motor skills also helps children to write. ~Lambert

Activity

Sing “Where is Thumbkin?” with your child. Just sing the first verse using only your thumb. Then, when your child is old enough, she might enjoy singing all of the verses using the corresponding fingers.

Books Presented

Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta Stickland

Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta Stickland

Dinosaurs of every shape and size race, roar, and stomp through this colorful book of opposites. And where are all these silly-looking creatures off to? A dinosaur picnic, of course! These prehistoric pranksters and the simple, playful rhymes that accompany them will delight children everywhere. Dinosaur Roar! is an entertaining way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of opposites.

The Dinos on the Bus by Peter Millett

The Dinos on the Bus by Peter Millett

Hop on the bus with a rowdy bunch of dinosaurs, as they travel up and down, round and round, all through the land. A delightful reinvention of the classic “Wheels on the Bus” rhyme, this book is full of action-packed moments, dynamic illustrations, and is sure to take readers on a fun-filled adventure!
Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald

Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald

What am I?
I lived a long, long time ago.
I had round eyes…
lots of sharp teeth…

This new concept book from Caldecott Honor illustrator Suse MacDonald is sure to entertain children. As readers turn the brightly colored, die cut pages, shapes on each page come together to reveal a creature from long ago. Page by page, MacDonald’s bright, cut-paper, collage-style artwork transforms circles into eyes and triangles into scales until a familiar creature is revealed, with the aid of a large fold-out page, on the final spread.

Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein

Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein

An energetic young dinosaur figures out her own way to give a kiss.
Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton

Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton

Dinosaurs engage in such activities as sunbathing and creating art. On board pages with a die-cut cover.

Rumble, Rumble, Dinosaur by Katrina Charman

Rumble, Rumble, Dinosaur by Katrina Charman

Set to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, join a host of different dinosaurs over the course of a day

Hello World! Dinosaurs by Jill McDonald

Hello World! Dinosaurs by Jill McDonald

All young children love dinosaurs. Now here’s a board book that teaches toddlers all about Triceratops, Stegosaurus, T-rex, and many more with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts.

Dinosaurs flap book

Dinosaurs

Babies and toddlers will enjoy lifting and looking under each felt flap and discovering a stomping, roaring dinosaur in this colourful and fun introduction to T. rex, Triceratops, and more!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Baby Dinosaur

Tune: Baby Bumblebee
I’m bringing home a baby* dinosaur,
Won’t my mommy hide beyond the door?
I’m bringing home a baby dinosaur,
Roar, roar, roar, roar!
*Red, blue, yellow… 

1, 2, 3 Baby on My Knee

1, 2, 3…baby’s on my knee.
Rooster crows and up she goes!
1, 2, 3…baby’s on my knee.
Rooster crows and down she goes!
1, 2, 3…baby’s on my knee.
Rooster crows and over she goes.
1, 2, 3…baby’s on my knee.
Rooster crows and in she goes.

 

One Dinosaur Went Out to Play

One dinosaur went out to play
On a giant fern one day
She had such enormous fun
That she called for another dinosaur to come:

Raise hands to cup mouth, and call loudly: Oh, Diiiiiiiiiinosaur!
(Slap hands on thighs to make “running” sounds.)

Two dinosaurs went out to play…
Three dinosaurs…
Four dinosaurs…

Five dinosaurs went out to play
On a giant fern one day
They had such enormous fun
That they played until the day was done!

Source: Mel’s Desk Baby Storytime

Tap Our Legs Together

Let’s tap our legs together, together, together.
Let’s tap our legs together ‘cause it’s fun to do.
(Repeat with other body parts)

Source: Pawling Library

Baby Sign Language

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Storytime: D is for Dance

Storytime: D is for Dance

Storytime: D is for Dance

Why dance? It’s fun, of course! But it also helps your child develop coordination, spatial sense, mental dexterity, social emotional skills, imagination, confidence and so much more! You can use music and dance at home to build these needed skills which will help prepare them for school. Try out some of these stories and follow up with the accompanying activities to help your child develop a love of dance.

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

Through simple dances, children become aware of patterns and shapes. For example, they may be asked to form a circle or to stand in a line. Physically acting out shapes increases their understanding of the related words. For young children who cannot distinguish between right and left, it is best to say, “Put your foot in,” rather than specifying right foot or left foot. ~Lambert

Activity

Activity – Do the Hokey Pokey with your child! Then put on some of your favorite tunes, and dance some more!

Books Presented

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Gerald the giraffe is too clumsy to dance with all the other animals at the Jungle Dance, until he finds the right music.

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig

Easy-to-read, rhyming text depicts different animals dancing.
Dancing Devi by Priya S. Parikh

Dancing Devi by Priya S. Parikh

An inspiring own-voice story that shares the beauty of traditional Indian dance and a universal message of dedication, grit and self-love. Devi knows that she’s a good dancer. In fact, she’s one of the best Bharatanatyam dancers at her dance school. So she’s very upset when she learns she’s lost the big dance competition. Her mom is a perfect dancer and Devi needs to be, too. Devi vows to practice her facial expressions and footwork until her dance is flawless, but no matter how much she practices, she keeps making mistakes. Come along with Devi as she learns that failure is an important part of learning and growing.

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder

There are so many ways to dance! You can jiggle or wiggle or stomp. You can bop or bounce or go completely nuts. You can dance at the market or the bus stop, with your fingers or your face. You can dance because you’re happy or even because you’re sad. But what’s the best way to dance? Exactly how you want to!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Dance Your Fingers

Dance your fingers up, dance your fingers down
Dance your fingers to the side, dance them all around
Dance them on your shoulders, dance them on you head
Dance them on your tummy, and put them all to bed

Source: Storytime Katie

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page of children dancing

D is for Dance

Dancing Giraffe puppet craft

Dancing Giraffe Craft

Make a fun giraffe puppet that you can have dance around.

Additional Books

Tap! Tap! Tap!: Dance! Dance! Dance! by Hervé Tullet

Tap! Tap! Tap!: Dance! Dance! Dance! by Hervé Tullet

Hervé Tullet invites you to a joyful dance where your hand is the star and the book your stage. A gentle glide to start things off, a few little leaps, then big bouncy jumps–growing in complexity and animation finally building to a crescendo of color, action, and movement!

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang

Amy Wu loves to move, so when she sees Chinese ribbon dancing for the first time, she has to try it out, but first she must find the perfect ribbon.
Dance by Holly Karapetkova

Dance by Holly Karapetkova

Photographs and simple text introduce young readers to kinds of dances, covering ballet, tap, and hip-hop.
Zoogie Boogie Fever! : An Animal Dance Book by Sujean Rim

Zoogie Boogie Fever! : An Animal Dance Book by Sujean Rim

What do the animals at the zoo do when the gates close at night? They boogie until dawn!

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