Summer STEM: Exploding Soap

Summer STEM: Exploding Soap

Our Summer STEM from Your Library program is made possible by our sponsors: the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho STEM Action Center. A big thank you to them for their support!

Let’s have some fun with soap and a microwave!

What happens to an ordinary piece of soap when it is exposed to the high heat of a microwave? Find out with this super fun STEM kit!

Materials needed:

  • Bar of soap (broken into about three pieces)
  • Plate
  • Access to a microwave
  • Optional: toothpick to doodle on soap 

Be sure to unwrap the soap before putting it in the microwave!

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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...

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGallop into Story Time fun this October! Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months) on Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Book Babies (ages 0-9 months) on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM will both feature “Clippity-clop, on a horse and pony we’ll hop!” Note: there will be no...

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJoin us for Story Time fun at Madison Library District! Book Babies (0-9 months) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room September theme: "Feelings... Big and Small!" Toddler Time (10-23 months) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM September theme:...

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be...

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

SUMMER STEM: Food Web Puzzle Game

SUMMER STEM: Food Web Puzzle Game

Our Summer STEM from Your Library program is made possible by our sponsors: the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho STEM Action Center. A big thank you to them for their support!

It’s the Circle of Life… Use the supplies in the kit to learn about nature’s food chain.

Materials needed:

  • Small paper cups
  • Printout of food chain animals
  • Food Web challenge list
  • Glue, tape, or other adhesive
  • Scissors

Click below for a video with more specific instructions.

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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...

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGallop into Story Time fun this October! Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months) on Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Book Babies (ages 0-9 months) on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM will both feature “Clippity-clop, on a horse and pony we’ll hop!” Note: there will be no...

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJoin us for Story Time fun at Madison Library District! Book Babies (0-9 months) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room September theme: "Feelings... Big and Small!" Toddler Time (10-23 months) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM September theme:...

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be...

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Pig Tails!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Pig Tails!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Pig Tails!

Many of us can remember, “This little piggie went to market, this little piggie stayed home…” Try expanding your “piggie repertoire” for your little one with these books, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays.

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

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: 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

After you attend Book Babies or Toddler Time, sing the songs that were presented. You can find the words and links on this blog post. Then talk about how much fun you had at the library.

Books Presented

Peekaboo

Who’s that hiding beneath the flap? With textured patches to touch, feel, and explore, this bright and beautiful lift-the-flap book will engage both babies and toddlers

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton

Turn the board pages to see what different sounds animals make.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Knee Bounce: Dickery Dickery Dare

Dickery Dickery Dare,
(bounce baby on lap)

A pig flew up in the air!
(lift baby up into air)

The man in brown
Soon brought him down.
(bring baby back down)

Dickery Dickery Dare.
(bounce baby on lap)

Knee Bounce: To Market, To Market

To market, to market to buy a fat pig
Home again, home again, jiggity jig!
To market, to market to buy a fat hog
Home again, home again, jiggity jog!

Fingerplay: Two Mother Pigs

Two mother pigs lived in a pen (show thumbs)
Each had four babies, and that made ten (show fingers & thumbs)

These four babies were black as night (thumb in palm, wiggle fingers)
These four babies were black and white (switch hands, repeat)
But all eight babies loved to play

And they rolled and rolled in the mud all day (roll hands)
At night, with their mother, they curled up in a heap (clasp hands)
And squealed and squealed till they fell fast asleep.

Five Clean and Squeaky Pigs

Five pigs so squeaky clean
Cleanest that you’ve ever seen
Wanted to outside and play (IN THE MUD)
One jumped into the mud
Landed with a great big thud
Then there were four clean squeaky pigs (Oink, oink!)

Baby Sign Language

“Bed”

 

“Tired”

 

“Sleep”

 

Additional Books

Is That Wise Pig? by Jan Thomas

Mouse and Cow are making soup, but Pig keeps trying to add strange ingredients

Ten Pigs: an Epic Bath Adventure by Derek Anderson

One pig looks to take a relaxing bath in private, but he is soon joined by another pig, then another, until there are ten pigs–and number one has to come up with a plan so that he can actually enjoy his bath.

Little Pookie by Sandra

Pookie’s mom lists ten things she knows about Pookie.

The Three Little Pigs by Emily Bolam

Retells the story of the three little pigs who leave home to find their fortune, only to meet up with the big bad wolf.

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: Forest Friends

Storytime: Forest Friends

Storytime: Forest Friends

“Over in the forest underneath the pine trees sat a brown mother bear and her babies three!” Can you make some new friends in the forest? Try out some of these books and activities below to see the creatures who live in the forest. You can also put together the Cardboard Roll Shadow Puppets and make up your own stories with your new forest friends.

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

Ages 2-5

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

After you attend Storytime, talk with your child about what they enjoyed most. Then sing the songs that were presented. You can find the words and links on this blog post.

Books Presented

Shake the Tree by Chiara Vignocchi

Various animals take turns shaking a tree in search of a tasty meal. It starts with Mouse who wants a nut so she shakes the tree a little to the right, and a little to the left. But it isn’t the nut that falls from the tree, it’s Fox who thinks that Mouse looks pretty tasty! Soon a warthog and then a bear come along with similar ideas. Little readers will enjoy the just-made-it escapes and the fun shaking-action that readers can do along with this interactive picture book

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.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Shake My Sillies Out

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 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 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 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 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

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!

Attention all astronauts

Please report the rocket ship
Prepare yourself for blast off

Thank you!

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

If you want to take the trip
Climb aboard my rocket ship

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
We have blast off!

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

If you want to take the trip
Climb aboard my rocket ship

Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
We have blast off!

If You’re Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands

 

If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet

If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head

If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it do all three

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this cute forest scene and enjoy coloring! 

Make a fun cardboard roll shadow puppet!

Additional Books

Fear the Bunny by Richard T Morris

In a forest where everyone fears rabbits, a fierce tiger tries to persuade the animals that they should fear him, instead.

Who Wants a Hug? by Jeff Mack

 Everyone likes Mr. Bear except grouchy Dr. Skunk, who devises a plan to make Mr. Bear stop being happy and hugging others.

Animal Hide and Seek by Dahlov Ipcar

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

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

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

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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 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...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Rabbits & Bunnies

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Rabbits & Bunnies

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Rabbits & Bunnies

Whether bouncing like a bunny or hopping like a rabbit, toddlers and babies love these fluffy animals. Try reading some of the books below or doing the activities with your child for a fun-filled learning time about bunnies & rabbits.

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

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: 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

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 wants 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.

 

- Lambert

Activity

Sing a song with motions with your child such as, “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” or “Hello, Everybody Let’s Clap Our Hands!” You can also replace the pronouns with your child’s name to “personalize” it!

Books Presented

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Meow!

Can you find Stripy Cat’s friends hiding under the flaps? Watch out-they might jump out at you!

Hush, Little Ones by John Butler

Baby animals in their natural environments are lovingly lulled to sleep by their parents.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Fingerplay: Here is a Bunny

Here is a bunny with ears so funny.
(hold up 2 fingers on one hand like bunny ears)
And here is a hole in the ground.
(finger and thumb of other hand together to make circle)
When a noise he hears
(hold one hand to ear)
He pricks up his ears
(hold up 2 fingers on one hand like bunny ears)
And jumps in the hole in the ground!
(hand with finger-ears “jumps” into hand with hole)

Variation
Here’s a bunny with ears so funny.
(wave hands above head for ears)
And here is a hole in the ground
(use hands to form a circle).
When a noise he hears,
(clap hands)
He perks up his ears,
(make ears stand up straight)
And jumps in a hole in the ground.
(dive towards the floor)

Rhymes, Songs, and Fingerplays Booklet

If you didn’t receive the booklet at Toddler Time or Book Babies, come to the library and ask for one at the Children’s Reference desk.

Scarf Song: Peek-a-boo

To the tune “Are You Sleeping”

Peek-a-boo, Peek-a-boo
I see you, I see you.
I see your button nose.
I see your tiny toes.
I see you, I see you.

Jbrary.com

Scarf Song: Rain on the Grass

*Rain on the grass
*Rain on the trees
*Rain on the roof but not on me!

*Replace with snow, sun, leaves
Jbrary.com

If You’re a Bunny and You Know It

If you’re a bunny and you know it, hop around
If you’re a bunny and you know it, hop around
If you’re a bunny and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re a bunny and you know it, hop around

(shake your tail)
(flop your ears)
(wiggle your nose)

 

Additional Books

If You're Hoppy by April Pulley Sayre

In rhyming text reminiscent of the traditional song, “If you’re happy and you know it,” presents various animals that are hoppy, sloppy, growly, flappy, or slimy, scaly and mean.

Peek-a-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice

An energetic bunny plays hid and seek with his forest friends

Little Bunny by Lauren Thompson

A young rabbit enjoys a “busy, dizzy” day of playing in the meadow near his home.

Bunny Breaths by Kira Willey

Part of the Mindfulness Moments for Kids series, this mindful meditation moment teaches kids to think like a bunny and find their own focused energy! With Bunny Breaths, kids learn how to replenish their energy with quick, focused breaths…no matter how blah they feel. Best of all, it can be performed anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or even at a child’s desk at school.

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: Deep Down Underground

Storytime: Deep Down Underground

Storytime: Deep Down Underground

A lot of children love to play in the dirt and mud, but do they know what lives underground? Explore the earth beneath their feet with these books, activities and videos. Then talk about what they have discovered and the new words that they have learned such as soil, burrow, and fossils.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Reading to your child with excitement and enthusiasm helps make reading a special time for you and your little one.

Activity

Try reading a story with your child using funny voices. Practice with a high, low, fast, or slow voice, and try using funny expressions on your face.

Books Presented

Underground by Denise Fleming

Pulp paintings and rhyming text spotlight the underground world of burrowing, tunneling, and digging animals. Includes “Creature Identification” page.

A Dog Named Doug by Karma Wilson

 
Egged on by a ground squirrel, a dog named Doug digs miles underground–taking a detour through the White House–until he returns home, goes to bed, and dreams of digging some more.

Hedgehog Needs a Hug by Jen Betton

Hedgehog wakes up needing a hug, but has trouble finding a friend who will get so close to his prickles.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Herman the Worm

Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
weeooo weeooo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along came Herman the Worm
And he was thiiiiis big / fingers a few inches apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my sister

Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands about six inches apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my mother

Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands about two feet apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my father

Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands as far apart as possible
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my grandpa

Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / fingers close together again
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I burped

 

Let’s Dig a Hole

Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!

A… Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper Hole!
A… Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper Hole!

Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!

 

Five Hungry Ants

Five hungry ants, marching in a line,
Came upon a picnicwhere they could dine.
They marched into the salad,they marched into the cake,
They marched into the pepper….uh oh, that was a mistake!
AHHHH-CHOOO!

 

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this cute coloring page – click below!

Create an adorable hedgehog by weaving paper strips

Additional Books

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett

Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.

Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar by Steve Wilson

Horace and Hattie watch a caterpillar become a butterfly … and are inspired to attempt a transformation of their own!

The Ants Go Marching

One by one the ants march to get to shelter from the rain in this illustrated version of the classic children’s song.

Hop by Jorey HUrley

A day in the life of a rabbit family, from sleeping to grazing to hiding from danger

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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 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...

Pin It on Pinterest