MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

March is all about TRAINS!

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

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.

ACTIVITY

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Sensory Transport Tub- Long, under-the-bed storage bins are great for sensory play and cost very little. If you have some “transportation” toys such as trains, cars, people, etc. and different types of cereal, you’re all set! Try this activity found at My Bored Toddler.

Books Presented

The Little Engine That Could by Wendy Piper

Although she is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Brief text and illustrations trace the journey of a colorful train as it goes through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles.

I Love Trains! by Philemon Sturges

I love trains. First come engines, big and strong. Pulling lots of cars along.

I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberly and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

A girl transforms a coffee shop into a train by making train noises with words.

The Animal Train by Liliana Secchi

This humorously illustrated accordion book unfolds to reveal a trainload of varied animals and birds, both familiar and exotic. Featuring creatures from the jungle, the forest, the savannah, and the ocean, this delightful and engrossing format is an entertaining introduction to the wonders of wild animals and their habitats.

More More More Said the Baby by Vera B Williams

Three babies are caught up in the air and given loving attention by a father, grandmother, and mother.

Peek-a-Choo-Choo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti

Here for the first time is a book about vehicles for toddlers in the same format as the highly successful Peek-a-Moo! and Peek-a-Boooo! Preschoolers will love lifting the oversize flaps to play peek-a-boo with cars, planes, submarines, and, of course, trains. Guess who? Peek-a-toot-toot! honks the tugboat. Guess who? Peek-a-vroom-vroom! revs the race car. With its playful text and bright and friendly illustrations, Peek-a-Choo-Choo! is the perfect introduction to “things that go” for the youngest traveler.

Sounds on the Go by Gail Donovan

Discover the sounds that are made by all of the most fascinating vehicles in our world with this interactive learning book! This early learning book is a fun and effective way to teach your young ones about the world of vehicles. This hands-on book includes: Lift-a-flap design that exposes additional vehicles facts and information Relevant information about the uses and functionality of each vehicle Sound bar that allows readers to hear the sound that each vehicle makes Combination of colorful illustrations and color photos And much, much more! With this book in their hands, your young vehicle enthusiast is sure to have a screeching good time!

Good Night, Good Night by Sandra Boynton

A group of animals, afloat on an ark, go through their nightly bedtime rituals of exercising, toothbrushing, and so on, until two rabbits sing them a lullaby and the sea rocks them to sleep.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

This is a Choo-Choo Train

This is a choo choo train
Puffing down the track
Now it’s going forward,
Now it’s going back,
Now the bell is ringing
Now the whistle blows
What a lot of noise it makes
Everything it goes.

The Wheels on the Train Go Clackety-Clack

The wheels on the train go clackety clack
Clackety clack, clackety clack
The wheels on the train, go clackety clack
All along the track.

More verses:
 The whistle… goes whoo, whoo, whoo
The conductor… says, “All Aboard”
The people … go bumpety, bump

Engine, Engine No. 9

Engine, engine number 9
Coming down Chicago Line
If the train goes off its track
Do you want your money back?
Yes? (sway to the side)
No? (sway to the other side)
Maybe so? (sway back and forth)

A little bit faster…

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo Goes the Freight Train

Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Uuuuuuup the hill!

Repeat with other ending: Doooown the track!

Changing Diaper

Tune of Frere Jacques
Changing diaper, changing diaper
Lots of fun, lots of fun
You’re no longer stinky, you’re no longer stinky
Nice clean bum, nice clean bum

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

Turkeys, I spy, and learning how to sign, “thank you,” are the things our babies and toddlers are learning this month. Try the activity with your toddler from BusyToddler.com for a fun alternative to screen time. And have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!

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
Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice forming sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home. Find a book with animals, vehicles, or objects that make noises. Then, with Baby, say, “I spy something that goes… moo!” Help your child point to the cow on the page and say, “What is that? It’s a cow and it goes… moo!” Repeat with other objects in the book.

Sensory Activity

Golf Tee Push: Fine Motor Skills Activity — Here is an easy-to-assemble activity that not only helps your child develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and spatial awareness, but also gives you a bit of free time. All the only thing you need are golf tees and a box! Thanks to the creators of BusyToddler.com, you can find this and other sensory building activities HERE

Books Presented

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.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

An interactive introduction to farm animals invites youngsters to make animal noises and practice color and letter recognition while peeping through a spy hole on every page and observing clues to guess which animal will be revealed next in the story.

Find Spot by Stacey Previn

Encourages young readers to find the hidden spots in a book filled with peek-through die-cut holes.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

The antics of ten fat turkeys on a fence illustrate counting from ten to one.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Based on the classic song about the old woman who swallowed a fly, this retelling with a twist features an old lady attending a Thanksgiving dinner who swallows a pie, then a whole squash, all of the salad, and then an entire turkey. In the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

Over in the Meadow: a Traditional Counting Rhyme by Louise Voce

From one little turtle to ten little foxes playing in the meadow, the beloved nursery song introduces young children to numbers and counting.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Turkeys

Two little turkeys sitting on a hill
One named Jack, the other named Jill
Run away Jack, run away Jill
Come back Jack, come back Jill
(cloud/quiet & loud, pole/fast & slow, sky/low & high)

If You’re Thankful and You Know It

If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
(stomp your feet, shout “hooray”, do all three)

The Farmer’s Field

Tune of “All Around the Mulberry Bush”

All around the farmer’s fields,
We picked some blueberries
We brought them home and washed them off,
Pop! Go the berries! (jump up on “pop”)

… yellow bananas
… red ripe apples
… green beans
… orange pumpkins

Baby Sign Language

Baby Needs a Diaper Change

Tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”

Baby needs a diaper change
Diaper change,
Diaper change
Baby needs a diaper change
Please and thank you!

Here are the Sign language signs:
Baby: (rock arms in cradle back and forth)
Diaper: (pinch fingers like clothes pins next to face)
Change: (wring hands in a fist )
Please: (rub chest)
Thank you: (hand to chin and out)

Additional Books

I Spy with My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

Thanksgiving Parade by Melanie Matthews

March along with the Thanksgiving parade.

Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

In October, we walked with animals, flew in a spaceship, and cooked French fries and pumpkins in a pan with hot oil! Try out some more activities this month with your baby or toddler from the suggestions below.

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
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

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Ball Tunnel: Try this fun activity from Research Parent. Place an empty wrapping paper or connected paper towel tubes on an incline such as a chair and roll small balls down the tunnel. Talk about “up” and “down” with your child. Not only are they learning cause and effect, the beginnings of potential and kinetic energy, but it’s also so much fun!!

Books Presented

If You're a Robot and You Know It by David A Carter

Happy robots stomp their feet, jump and beep, and shout Hooray, in a take on the classic lyrics to “Happy and you know it.”

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Everybody sing along—because it’s time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! 

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.

Snappy Little Farmyard by Dugald Steer

A day on the farm has never been quite so much fun — or quite so noisy — thanks to this mooing, baaing, neighing menagerie of pop-up surprises. And what better way to learn than with this happy, snappy pop-up! 

Where is Baby's Pumpkin? by Karen Katz

An adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute-as-a-button bats, and candy apples are found beneath each flap. Finally after Baby finds her pumpkin, she’s ready to go trick-or-treating and the final flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza!

Spooky Spooky Little Bat

Join the Halloween fun in this spooky rhyming twist on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Follow the little bat as it flies above town and makes new friends. This fun board book for tots features beautiful illustrations and a plush bat finger puppet with wings.

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Peek-a… BOO! We’re going to a spooky castle to celebrate Halloween in this fun storybook! Let’s sneak through the pumpkin patch together without being seen.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Clippity Clop

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…
Yeehaw! Ride-um, cowboy!

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I was walking to town one day
I met a (animal name) along the way
And what do you think that (animal name) did say?
(make animal noise)

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
Just climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 0 – Lift OFF !!!

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortnin’ Bread”

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3. (repeat)

Leg to the left, leg to the right, wiggle and jiggle and pull ‘em up tight.

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3.

Repeat with other articles of clothing (socks or tights, shoes, etc.)

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Hats, hats, and more hats! Did you know that learning to put on and take off a hat is one of the developmental milestones for a baby? In addition, getting dressed and undressed can be a learning experience , too. Try some of these songs, rhymes, and activities to turn an everyday activity into fun activity 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
When you read a book with your child, running your finger under the printed words helps her to know that it is the text you are reading, not the pictures. Did you know that without our guidance, 4- year- old children will give 95 percent of their visual attention to the pictures?

- Lambert

Activity

Read “Hats are not for Cats” by Jacqueline Rayner or another book with your child, and run your finger under the title as you read the words. If the book has a repeated phrase, run your finger under those words as well. Encourage your child to say the repeated phrase while pointing at each word as he says it. Then encourage him to point at the words.

Books Presented

I Went Walking by Sue Williams

These catchy stanzas frolic through the Australian author Sue Williams’s simple, funny read-aloud picture book that tracks a crazy-haired boy’s stroll through the countryside. The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie!

Who's Wearing a Hat? an Usborne baby book

Who’s wearing a hat? Is it the orange cat? Lots to look at and talk about in this colorful new title from Usborne. Babies will marvel at the colorful pictures and the fun rhyming questions and will share a delightful moment or two with their parents with this enjoyable new series. Do cows sing? Do cows coo? All I know is cows go–moo! Lift the flaps to find lots more barnyard animal sounds!

Pop-Up Peekaboo: Meow! by DK Publishing

A fun pop-up book!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Giddyap, Giddyap

Giddyap, giddyap, ride to town
Giddyap, giddyap, up and down.
Giddyap fast
Giddyap slow
Giddyap, giddyap, giddyap, WHOA! 

Clipity-Clop

Horsey, Horsey don’t you stop, just let your feet go clippety-clop.
(clap/bounce in rhythm)
Your tail goes swish,
(slide palms together)
And the wheels go round,
(roll hands)
Giddy-up we’re homeward bound!
(clap/bounce in rhythm)

Silly Hat Song

Tune to This Old Man

On my head, I wear my hat.
It is such a silly hat
That my head will wiggle waggle to and fro
Where else can my silly hat go?
[Repeat using foot, elbow and knee]

These Are Grandma’s Glasses

These are Grandma’s glasses
This is Grandma’s hat
This is the way she folds her hands
And lays them in her lap
Here are Grandpa’s glasses
And here is Grandpa’s hat
And here’s the way he folds his arms
And takes a little nap

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of Shor’nin Bread

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
(move baby’s legs)
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three
(gently poke baby’s belly)
Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

Leg to the left, leg to the right
(move legs)
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight
Leg to the left, leg to the right
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I went walking to town one day
I met an elephant on the way
And what do you think that elephant did say?
(trumpet like an elephant!)
But I kept walking!
Choose other animals to keep the song going!

Crafts and Activities

Make an adorable SPIDER HAT with your little one!

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Cats

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Cats

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Cats

Meow – cats and kittens!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:45am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:45am 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
It’s OK if your child can’t sit still for an entire book — toddlers’ attention spans will get longer soon. You might want to keep reading even if your child moves around. Before bedtime, allow your child to touch and play with favorite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your voice will be a soothing reminder of the bedtime routine and that books are a part of it.

- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/reading-toddler.html

Activity

Create a “Favorites” or core nursery song list to sing with your child every day, then you can add other songs that match with books you like to read together.

Books Presented

"Cats" Discovery Kit

Check out our Discovery Kits all about CATS! Inside is full of books and activities all about our friendly felines.

Do Cats Meow? 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!

Cat's Colors by Airlie Anderson

Cat spends the day collecting colors, and when she is finished something wonderful happens.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

A Bouncing We Will Go

A bouncing we will go, a bouncing we will go,
High-ho the dairy oh, a bouncing we will go.
A rocking we will go, a rocking we will go,
High-ho the dairy oh, a rocking we will go.
A tickling we will go, a tickling we will go,
High-ho the dairy oh, a tickling we will go.

Kitten in the Box variation

Kitten in the box
Kitten in the box sits so still.
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!

Five Little Cats

5 little cats playing near the door, one ran inside and that left 4.
4 little cats underneath a tree, one heard a dog bard and that left 3.
3 little cats wondering what to do, one saw a little bird and that left 2.
2 little cats sitting in the sun, one ran to catch his tail and that left 1.
1 little cat looking for some fun, he saw a butterfly and there there were none!

Scarf Song: Peek-a-Boo

(cover your face with the scarf)
Peek-a-boo, where are you
Hiding in your…
place! PEEKABOO!
(throw the scarf off your face and tickle baby)

(cover your face with the scarf)
Peek-a-boo, I see you
and your smiling…
face! PEEKABOO!
(throw the scarf off your face and tickle baby)

Scarf Song: One Bright Scarf

One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow (wave it gently)
Toss it up high (throw it high in the air and catch it)
And wave it down low
Wiggle it FAST!
and wiggle it s…l…o…w……
Hey! (hide it behind you)
Where did it go?
…. Here it is! (bring it back out)

Additional Books

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

When Kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk, she ends up tired, wet, and hungry trying to reach it.

Five Black Cats by Patricia Hegarty

Five black cats set out through shadowy streets and dark forests. Along the way, they encounter bats and glowing jack o’ lanterns. Then, they follow a tiny white mouse into a spooky old house for an annual Halloween party.

Cats Know Best by Colin Eisler

Cats know how to keep warm or cool, find food, play, keep clean, and take care of their kittens.

Hugs in the City

Jilly goes on a quest to hug all the cats in the city! 

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains

Children find trains fascinating. It could be its speed and motion as it moves on the track. Or perhaps it’s the unique sounds that it makes as it passes by. What ever it is, trains wake up excitement, curiosity, and creativity in a child’s mind. So, with plenty of “Choo, choo’s,” have fun with these books and activities.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:45am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:45am 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
When your children have happy experiences, they want to repeat them. Starting kindergarten can seem as an extension of informal library classes. Children who have had joyful experiences in the public library often approach school with a positive attitude, ready and excited to learn.

- Lambert

Activity

Help your toddler make an “egg carton” train like this one: What Can We Use Egg Cartons For? Make a Train. Then sing some songs and rhymes about trains.

Books Presented

Choo Choo by Petr Horáček

What could be more fun than an old-fashioned train ride? Off go the passengers, past the town, into the woods (Shhh, Shhh), over the bridge (Clack, Clack), into the tunnel (Toot, Toot), and back out into the sunshine. Who could guess that the destination is–a day at the seaside?

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Brief text and illustrations trace the journey of a colorful train as it goes through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles

I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim 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.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Engine, Engine Number 9

Engine, engine number 9
Coming down Chicago Line
If the train goes off its track
Do you want your money back?
Yes? (sway to the side)
No? (sway to the other side)
Maybe so? (sway back and forth)

Chugga-Choo Freight Train

Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Uuuuuuup the hill!
Doooown the track!

The Wheels on the Train

Tune to “Wheels on the Bus”

The wheels on the train go clackety clack
Clackety clack, clackety clack
The wheels on the train, go clackety clack
All along the track.

More verses:
The whistle… goes whoo, whoo, whoo
The conductor… says, “All Aboard”
The people … go bumpety, bump

This Little Train

This little train ran up the track
Trail fingers up baby’s arm from fingers to shoulder
It went Choo Choo!
Tap baby’s nose!
And then it ran back.
Trail fingers back down baby’s arm.

The other little train ran up the track
Trail fingers up baby’s other arm from fingers to shoulder
It went Choo Choo!
Tap baby’s nose!
And then it ran back.
Trail fingers back down baby’s arm.

Flannel Board: Down by the Station

Down by the station early in the morning
See the little puffer trains all in a row
See the engine driver turn the little handle
Puff puff, chuff chuff, off we go! (remove one train, and count)

Baby Sign Language

“More”

“All Done”

Additional Books

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

 Although he is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Trains Chug by Rebecca Stromstad Glaser

There’s a lot of building going on in Playtown! There is so much to explore, learn, and discover inside this busy, busy book – diggers are digging holes, materials are being delivered, and roads are being laid. On every page there are fun flaps to lift which tell children more about the picture above, and at the back of the book is a big page to fold out that reveals a bustling construction scene

Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Cuddle up with the beloved animal friends from the bestselling Steam Train, Dream Train and count on lots of fun! Little train enthusiasts will love counting from one to ten along with the dreamy train cars!

Who Takes the Train

Naledi is taking the train to the beach with her Mum – and there is so much to see!

More Book Babies

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...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

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