Storytime: Working and Playing Together

Storytime: Working and Playing Together

Storytime: Working and Playing Together

Learning to work and play cooperatively with others is a skill children begin to develop in preschool and later in kindergarten. These basic skills set the stage for working cooperatively as older children, teens, and adults. Learning these skills can be fun, especially when learning with others. Try reading some of these books and talk with your child about the problems faced by the characters, what did they do to solve the problem, and if your child would have solved it the same way. You can also discover some great activity ideas at conqueringkindergarten.org.

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

Singing games and playing music in groups encourage social responsiveness. Such activities also help your child learn to feel comfortable in a group setting. When your child begins school. Such positive associations will help them adjust to being part of a class -Lambert

Activity

Participate in a group singing activity such as Storytime or with a group a friends. You could learn and sign hand movements or sign language to a song such as “The More We Get Together.”

Books Presented

Unstoppable! by Adam Rex

When a bird and a crab team up to combine the advantages of flight and claws, it gives them an idea: why not expand the team to include other animals who have a special trait–and soon they all set out to rescue their lake from development, because united together they are unstoppable.

Everyone Counts by Judy Sierra

Diverse animals, led by two rough, tough rhinos, work together to transform an old mall into a zoo–including the bugs the rhinos said were too small to count.

Summer by Wenxuan Cao

 
Under a burning sun on the dry grassland, animals ranging from a tiny field mouse to a large elephant fight over bit of shade until they learn a better way.

What Makes a Shadow? by Clyde Robert Bulla

A simple explanation of how a shadow is formed.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Good Friends

Five good friends went out to play (hold up five fingers)
On a bright and sunny day
One good friend said, “I can’t stay.”
Then there were four friends left to play
 Verses:
Four good friends went out to play (hold up four fingers)…
Three good friends went out to play (hold up three fingers)…
Two good friends went out to play (hold up two fingers)…
Only one good friend was left to play (hold up one finger)…
So he went home that bright sunny day.

Credit: Collaborative Summer Library Program

The More We Get Together

The more we get together, together, together.
(for “more,” fold hands like beaks and touch fingertips together)
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be.
(for “together,” hold two fists together and make small circles; for
“happy,” hold hands flat and circle them towards you.)
For your friends are my friends,
(point to a friend and clasp index fingers)
And my friends are your friends.
(point to yourself and clasp index fingers fingers)
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be.

The more we play together… (extend pinky and thumb and wiggle)
the more we learn together… (extend one palm like a book and then pull
information from it with the other hand and put it in your head)
The more we sing together… (bend one arm and strum with other hand)

Credit: Collaborative Summer Library Program

 

Shadow, Shadow

Shadow, shadow
Where can you be?
Are you under the ________ tree?

Crafts and Activities

Kids Cleaning the Park

Shadow Art

Additional Books

Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever! by Beth Ferry

This ode to unconditional love is a brand new adventure for duo Stick and Stone, in which Stick searches for his family tree and discovers the importance of found family and forever friends.

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor

A group of children with different abilities and strengths come together to build a community garden

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines

With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together. “You’re one of a kind, and it’s so clear to see: The world needs who you were made to be.”

Chirp!: Chipmunk Sings For a Friend by Jamie Swenson

A lonely chipmunk longs for a friend who will sing along with her.

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

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

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Halloween

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

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

Storytime: Expand Your World

Storytime: Expand Your World

Storytime: Expand Your World

Let’s “Expand our World” by reading around the world! The best way to expose your child to different cultures is to read books set in different areas of the world. Try some of these books or go to https://www.readbrightly.com/read-around-the-world/ for some great book suggestions. Then color the continent together and talk about similarities, differences, language, foods, that you have discovered 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

The use of small percussion instruments such as bells, rhythm sticks, shakers, and drums helps children with muscular development and coordination. -Lambert

Activity

Find, fill, and seal a plastic egg, clean vitamin bottle, or something similar for a homemade shaker. Sing and shake familiar songs together such as, “If You’re Happy and You Know it give a shake.” You can make other “percussion” instruments at home like the bottom of a bowl, or a couple of wooden spoons or chopsticks.

Books Presented

Ten Little Dumpling by Larissa Fan - Asia

In the city of Tainan, there lives a very special family — special because they have ten sons who do everything together. Their parents call them their ten little dumplings, as both sons and dumplings are auspicious. But if you look closely, you’ll see that someone else is there, listening, studying, learning and discovering her own talent — a sister. As this little girl grows up in the shadow of her brothers, her determination and persistence help her to create her own path in the world . . . and becomes the wisdom she passes on to her own daughter, her own little dumpling.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen - Europe

The three billy goats outsmart the hungry troll who lives under the bridge.

Making the Moose Out of Life by Nicholas Oldland - North America

This moose may live in the wild, but he doesn’t act it — he watches from the sidelines as his friends have fun. Every now and then, he wonders if he’s missing out on anything. When the moose finally takes a chance and goes on a solo sailing trip, a raging storm carries him far from everything he knows. Will he curl up in a ball and cry, or make the most of it? The moose’s unlikely hero-journey is a lighthearted, contemporary fable that celebrates living life to the fullest.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal - South America

When Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Shake My Sillies Out

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

I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
And wiggle my waggles away

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

I Was Going to Kentucky

I was going to Kentucky
Going to the fair
to see the senorita with the flower in her hair
Oh shake it, shake it, shake it
Shake it if you can
Shake it like a milkshake
And do the best you can
Oh wobble to the bottom
and wobble to the top
And turn around and turn around
until you make a stop.

If You’re Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it, give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, give a shake

Verses: Give a tap, clap your hands

Crafts and Activities

Children Around the World

Make a Mini Maraca

Make a Mini Maraca- Children use funnels (or their hands) to fill a cardboard tube with dry beans or rice. Prepare tubes by covering one end with construction paper and a tight rubber band. Provide funnels, construction paper, and a second tight rubber band. After the maraca has been filled, caregivers cover the other end, and children get to shakin’! Optionally, prepare a play list for a maraca dance party.

Additional Books

I Just Want to Say Goodnight by Rachel Isadora - Africa

In a village on the African plains, a little girl stalls bedtime by saying good night to various animals and objects.

Big Rain Coming by Katrina Germein - Australia

A lyrical story about waiting for the rain to come to an isolated Aboriginal community. Tension in the community builds as the rain clouds thicken and grow dark. Everybody waits. When will the rain come?

Be Brave Little Penguin by Giles Andreae - Antarctica

 
Pip-Pip, the littlest penguin, is teased for being afraid of the water until, with his mother’s guidance, he finally jumps in.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories, and talents are shared.

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

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

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Halloween

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

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

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 finding new ways for baby to make a new friend!

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

One of the things that happens when you sing simple nursery rhymes to your children is that they gain practice listening to simple sentence structures. Hearing the same short sentences over and over helps children recognize the patterns that our sentences form.

Activity

Pick a favorite nursery rhyme and sing it with baby each day for a month. Notice how her eyes light up when you sing it at the end of the month.

Books Presented

My Friends Make Me Happy by Jan Thomas

Invites readers to guess, along with Sheep’s friends, the mysterious thing that starts with the letter F that makes Sheep happy.

Croc & Turtle!: The Bestest Friends Ever! by Mike Wohnoutka

 
Although other animals are better at lifting, jumping, and running, Croc and Turtle discover something they are best at.

Curly's Friends by Phil Roxbee Cox

Your child will love to stroke Curly the pig as you read this simple story.

If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend! by Eric Litwin

Set to the rhythm of the classic children’s song, Groovy Joe invites the reader to laugh, sing, explore, and best of all, hug a friend.

Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Eric Carle

A mouse searches everywhere for a friend.

Spot's New Friend by Eric Hill

When Spot goes on vacation with his family, he worries that he won’t have anyone to play with, until he meets Alice the kangaroo and makes a new friend.

Hello, New Friend! by Patty Michaels

With text adapted from the hit “Hello Song,” young readers will love meeting their favorite characters from their favorite show: CoComelon! There’s JJ; his brother, TomTom; his sister, YoYo; his friends Cody, Nina, and CeCe; his mom and dad; and Ms. Appleberry, his preschool teacher!

Baby's Best Friend by Suzanne Curley

Rhyming text and photographs celebrate the special bond between babies and their puppies

Ollie's Hug by Olivier Dunrea

When Ollie is in a grumpy mood and nothing feels right, a hug from a friend does the trick! The perfect board book for little kids with big feelings.

How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends? by Jane Yolen

 
Rhyming text and illustrations present some of the ways dinosaurs can play with their friends, from hogging the swings to sharing toys.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

I’m Your Little Friend

tune: I’m a Little Teapot
I’m your little friend who likes to hide
Up and down, and side to side
When I get all warmed up, watch me run
Find me now and have some fun

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Tick tock, tick tock, (rock baby back and forth)
I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick tock, tick tock, it’s 1 o’clock!
Cuckoo! (lift baby up in air or raise baby’s arms)
Tick tock, tick tock, (rock baby back and forth)
I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick tock, tick tock, it’s 2 o’clock!
Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Credit: https://kcls.org/content/tick-tock-tick-tock-im-a-little-cuckoo-clock/

Will You Be My Friend Today?

Will you be my friend today, friend today, friend today?
Will you be my friend today? Come and play!
Verses:
Clap your hands with me today…
Stomp your feet with me today…
Turn around with me today…
Shout hooray with me today…
Yes, you are my friend today…

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

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

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

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

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

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

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

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

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

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

Storytime: Community Connections

Storytime: Community Connections

Storytime: Community Connections

Do you know the people in your neighborhood? Try drawing an appreciation picture or letter together and giving it to a fire fighter, police officer, dentist, doctor, nurse, school teacher, postal worker, librarian, hair stylist, veterinarian, pizza delivery driver, or your neighbor. Community connections can start with you!

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

By joyfully watching other children follow directions and applauding their success, you are teaching your child an important social skill- how to appreciate other people. Being successful in school requires more than being able to do academic work. It also involves knowing how to get along with other children, how to wait your turn, and how to be part of a classroom community.

Activity

When attending a group activity such as story time, show your child how to compliment or appreciate another child’s efforts and success or how to wait patiently in line for the craft. Then talk about it and why appreciation and mutual respect are important to everyone in a community.

Books Presented

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook

Teach your little one about a wide spectrum of careers with this playful guess-and-reveal picture book—perfect for reading aloud with preschool-age children and up!

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery

Once there was a lot full of trash. Now there is a lush, green farm. This is the story of Harlem Grown, a garden in New York City

Hot Pot Night by Vincent Chen

In this version of the classic tale, nobody in the apartment building has enough ingredients for dinner–so a child suggests that they have a community hot pot night. Everybody contributes something, bringing their diverse community together for a delicious meal. Includes a recipe for hot pot.

The 12 Days of Kindness by Jenna Lettice

Count out twelve ways to celebrate and honor our friends, family, neighbors, and first responders with small acts of kindness

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Walking to Town

As I was walking to town one day,
I met a ________ along the way and what do you think the _______ did say?
STOP! ____________

I Can Help My Friends

Tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
I can help my friends
Each and every day.
When they need me I am there
To help them learn and play

My Hands are for Helping
Linda Conrad

My hands are for helping 
My hands are for holding
My hands are for clapping 
when I hear a happy song

My hands are for caring, 
My hands are for sharing
My hands are for kindness, 
not doing harm

I control my hands 
’cause they’re a part of me
I have absolute control of the body parts on me

My hands are for helping, 
My hands are for holding
My hands are for kindness 
not doing harm

Crafts and Activities

B is for Books

Fire Department

Visit the fire department

Additional Books

It Fell From the Sky by Terry Fan

All the insects agree that the object that fell from the sky is a Wonder, but when Spider decides it is his, he risks losing all of his friends.

Whose Hands Are These?: A Community Helper Guessing Book by Miranda Paul

If your hands can mix and mash, what job might you have?
Hands can wiggle, hands can clap.
Hands can wrap and flap and tap.
But hands can help―so raise yours, please!
Can you guess? Whose hands are these?
What if your hands reach, wrench, yank, and crank? The hands in this book―and the people attached to them―do all sorts of helpful work. And together, these helpers make their community a safe and fun place to live.

The Little Things: A Story About Acts of Kindness by Christian Trimmer

A little girl’s small act of kindness after a storm spreads throughout her town so that the next time there is a storm, her community comes together to make a big difference.

You Are a Beautiful Beginning by Nina Laden

Children play cooperatively in a forest, and their stick creations draw the interest of small gnome-like creatures, who make their own additions.

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

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

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Halloween

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

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

Storytime: Friends Forever

Storytime: Friends Forever

Storytime: Friends Forever

Making friends is easy for some children and difficult for others. Try reading some of these books or doing a subject search on the library catalog for books to read and talk about with your child. Pay attention to how character friends resolve conflicts, work and play together, and perhaps how they met each other. For further information, you might consider reading this article, 6 ways to help your preschooler connect with other kids, at Understood.org.

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

Sharing books that talk about how characters behave in various kinds of relationships can help children think about their own behavior and how they interact with others. Take the opportunity books offer to talk about what your child thinks and what they might do.

Activity

Read “Lubna and the Pebble” by Wendy Meddour or another book that encourages talk about relationships. After reading the book with your child, talk about what the characters thought of each other. What changed?

Books Presented

My Friends Make Me Happy! by Jan Thomas

Invites readers to guess, along with Sheep’s friends, the mysterious thing that starts with the letter F that makes Sheep happy.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour

Lubna’s best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does.

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone are both lonely until Pinecone’s teasing causes one to stick up for the other, and a solid friendship is formed.

Goodbye, friend! Hello, friend! by Cori Doerrfeld

Two best friends understand that saying goodbye to one experience means saying hello to the next, but that does not make it easier when one friend has to move away.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Will you be my friend today?

Will you be my friend today, friend today, friend today?
Will you be my friend today? Come and play!

Verses:
Clap your hands with me today…
Stomp your feet with me today…
Turn around with me today…
Shout hooray with me today…
Yes, you are my friend today…

Our Good Friend

Tune: Bingo
________ is so very happy.
She/he is our good friend.
F-R-I, E-N-D, F-R-I, E-N-D,
F-R-I, E-N-D
And she/he is our good friend.

Crafts and Activities

F is for Friends

Sticker Story Book

This paper crown made of people holding hands is a fun craft that kids can do while learning themes on friendship, people around the world and community helpers.

Additional Books

Bear Can't Wait by Karma Wilson

As final preparations are being made for a long-planned surprise party, Bear gets so excited he nearly ruins everything.

Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat

Can the friendship of best friends Harold and Hog, a carefree elephant and a careful hog, survive a game of pretending to be Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie?

The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright

Told in rhyming text Cyril and Bruce, two squirrels, are each determined to get the last pinecone of autumn; but when they fall into the river, they learn that sometimes it is essential to work together–and, in any case, a bird got the floating pinecone

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable by Rowboat Watkins

A picture book about a mermaid named Mabel, who unlike the rest of her family does not have a moustache, and the seven-armed octopus who becomes her friend and helps her see that she is just right the way she is

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

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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

Weather and seasons are things that your child experience and can relate to. Try using their experiences to talk about the science behind weather, like thunder. Sometimes, we ourselves, don’t know all the facts, but we can find out right along with our children by using the books in the library. Simple scientific knowledge about everyday events gives children a strong foundation for later school learning. – Lambert

Activity

Sing together the call and response rhyme, “I Hear Thunder,” using hand movements to the tune of “Are your sleeping?”

Books Presented

Mouse Seasons by Leo Lionni

Two mice talk about where the seasons come from.

Have You Seen Duck? by Janet A. Holmes

When Duck goes missing, a boy’s favorite activities lose their appeal and he comes to know that he needs Duck just as much as Duck needs him.

Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Patricia Hegarty

A book with peek-through holes that let a child view the changes in a tree throughout the four seasons

Five Little Ducks by Teri Weidner

A duck with a feather on his back leads his siblings with a “quack, quack, quack.” End notes list the benefits of children’s poems and songs.

Over in the Garden by Jennifer Ward

 
Over in the garden, mother insects and their children enjoy various activities from morning sun to evening moon.

Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson

Mouse and Minka invite you to celebrate summer with a picnic in the park. Roll down the hill on tickly green grass. Fly fluttery kites high in the sky. Enjoy some juicy watermelon! And before it’s time to go home, a summer surprise sparkles in the sky.

Baby Loves Fall! by Karen Katz

What does Baby see? Lift the flaps to see the activities of fall.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Winter by Eric Carle

A little caterpillar shows the best ways to spend a snowy winter day.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bounce and Bounce and Bounce and Stop

Tune: Skip to my Lou
Bounce and bounce and bounce and stop.
Bounce and bounce and bounce and stop.
Bounce and bounce and bounce and stop.
Now bounce that baby up to the top! (lift baby)

A Farmer Went Trotting

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

Five Little Ducks

Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hills and far away
When the mama duck said
Quack, quack, quack!
Four little ducks came waddling back…
(Continue counting down to zero)
But when the daddy duck went, “Quack, quack, quack!”
Five little ducks came waddling back!

I Hear Thunder

Tune: Are you sleeping?
I hear thunder; I hear thunder. (Put your hand over one ear and then the other.)
Hark, don’t you? Hark, don’t you? (Point to someone else.)
Pitter-patter raindrops; pitter-patter raindrops. (Pat knees quickly.)
I’m wet through. I’m wet through. (Hug yourself.)

Walking To Town

As I was walking to town one day,
I met a ________ along the way and what do you think the _______ did say? STOP! ____________

Baby Sign Language

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