April Kid and Tween Activities

April Kid and Tween Activities

April Kid and Tween Activities

Come to our Mother Daughter Book Club meeting on Thursday, April 1st at 6:30- 7:30 p.m.! This month we’re talking about Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George.
This month for Books for Boys we’re reading and discussing Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
Join us on Thursday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room!
You won’t want to miss our April Kid and Tween STEAM activities! Starting Tuesday, April 13th, you can come pick up our hot air balloon art kits at the Front Circulation Desk. Our flying machines kits will be available a couple weeks later on the 27th.
Craft instructions will be available on our website and on our YouTube Channel.

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

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...

Book Babies: Wiggle Worms

Book Babies: Wiggle Worms

Book Babies: Wiggle Worms

Is your toddler a wiggle worm? They might have fun reading and learning about “real” wiggle worms. Try some of these activities and books which are just for the little wiggle worms in our lives.

Join us live Wednesdays at 10:00 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

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

Books like “Cuckoo Can’t Find You,” which have lists of activities or items are great for babies because there’ isn’t a strong narrative. That makes it easy to read as many or as few pages as keep your baby’s interest. Stopping books when babies are done listening is a great way to keep your book sharing experiences positive and not stressful.

Activity

Find a book with a simple narrative, but vibrant pictures. Then explore and talk about the illustrations with your baby. Most picture books have a “traveling” character which moves through the book. Play “Look and Find” for this character as you and your baby turn each page.

Books Presented

Ten Wriggly, Wriggly Caterpillars by Debbie Tardett

Follow the adventures of these bright, bold caterpillars in this peek-through counting book!

Cuckoo Can't Find You by Lorianne Siomades

Each animal has lost an object that rhymes with its name and the hidden item is concealed within the pages.

Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni

To keep from being eaten, an inchworm measures a robin’s tail, a flamingo’s neck, a toucan’s beak, a heron’s legs, and a nightingale’s song.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Fingerplay: Wiggle Worms

 Here are some worms who are, oh, so sad.
They’ve lost all the wiggles that they once had.
They wonder if you, just for today
would lend them your wiggles so they can play.

Wiggle them up and wiggle them down
Wiggle the worms around and around
Wiggle them high and wiggle them low
Wiggle them fast and wiggle them slow
Wiggle them over your shoes and your socks
Then wiggle them back into their box.

Hushlander.wordpress.com

Bounce: Trit Trot to Boston

Trit, trot to Boston, (bounce baby on your knees)
Trit, trot to Lynn,
Take care, Baby, (substitute child’s name for “Baby”)
Don’t fall IN!
(on “IN,” part knees and let baby slip through)

– Childhood

Scarf Song: Scarf Wiggle

You put your scarf up. You put your scarf down. Your put your scarf up.
And you shake it all around,
You wiggle on your knees and you wiggle on your toes.
You’re doing the scarf wiggle!

You put your scarf out. You put your scarf in. You put your scarf out.
And you shake it all around.
You wiggle on your head and you wiggle n your nose
You’re doing the scarf wiggle!

You put your fingers up. You put your fingers down. Your put your fingers up.
And you shake them all around,
You wiggle on your knees and you wiggle on your toes.
You’re doing the finger wiggle!

You put your fingers out. You put your fingers in. You put your fingers out.
And you shake them all around.
You wiggle on your head and you wiggle n your nose.
You’re doing the finger wiggle!

– Adapted from the “Hokey Pokey” song

Bounce or Manipulative Play: Wally the Worm

Wally the Worm went up and down
(lift baby up & down)
Up and down,
Up and down.
Wally the worm went up and back into the ground.
(let baby slip through knees)

Additional Books

Owl and Wormy: Friends All Aflutter! by Andy Runton

Good friends Owly and Wormy are disappointed when their new plant attracts fat, green, bug-like things, instead of butterflies, until a metamorphosis occurs.

Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrations and rhyming text follow ten caterpillars as one wriggles up a flower stem, another sails across a garden pool, and one reaches an apple leaf, where something amazing happens.

Wiggle, Jiggle by Book Dash

A little Caterpillar loves to wiggle!

Danger Worm by Andrea Kaczmarek

Little Worm wants nothing more than to leave his cosy home. But there are so many dangers!

More Book Babies

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

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

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

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...

Story Time: Earth, We Love You!

Story Time: Earth, We Love You!

Story Time: Earth, We Love You!

The Earth is awesome! It starts with the letter “E”. And it’s the only place we have to live, so we better take care of it. Try talking with your child about some of the small things he can do to help take care of the Earth such as turning off the water while brushing his teeth, picking up garbage outside, or even recycling the bottle from the juice he drank for lunch. You might find some other ideas in the books and rhymes below.

Join us live Tuesdays at 10:30 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

It’s fun and easy for children to learn about topics that are relevant to them. For instance, songs about everyday experiences, body parts, senses, and their environment help children make sense of the world we live in.

- Lambert

Activity

Sing “We’ve Got the Whole World” with your child and then change the lyrics to things in your home or outside. For example, “We’ve got yummy bananas to eat…” or “We’ve got the chirping birds in the trees…” or “We’ve got a playful puppy who loves to bark…” Then read a book about the Earth and sing the song with the illustrations.

Books Presented

Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Year by Stacy McAnulty

The Earth introduces readers to key moments in the planet’s life, from its formation over four billion years ago to the present, including the Earth’s position in the solar system, its layers, and when plants and animals began to inhabit the planet.

The Earth Book by Todd Parr

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. 

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak

In simple text, a young boy watches how nature changes from winter into spring.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Once There Was a Litter Bug

(Tune:  “Itsy Bitsy Spider”)
Once there was a litter bug
Who went from town to town,
Throwing out his garbage,
That landed on the ground.
The garbage grew so high
That when he turned around,
The litter bug got buried
And he was never found!

 

Five Bottles of Juice on the Wall

(Sung to: “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall”)
Five bottles of juice on the wall,
five bottles of juice.
Put one in the recycling bin.
Four bottles of juice on the wall.
Continue until there are no more bottles left.

 

We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page!

Use our template to create an earth-themed flannel board activity.

Additional Books

I Can Save the Earth by Alison Inches

Max is a little monster who likes to litter and never, ever recycles. Then the electricity goes out and he sees how exciting and beautiful the Earth is– and that it will need his help to stay that way.

Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre

A love letter to the Earth shares striking photographic images from around the world that introduce such concepts as nature and science. Water, air, light. Patterns, curves, shapes, colors. Things that crawl, fly, float, run, bloom, ripen. Think of everything Earth gives us. What are you most thankful for? Includes notes from the author about related activities and resources.

The Earth Gives More by Sue Fliess

In each season, Earth has something special to enjoy–and we can find ways to be good stewards to the planet too!

Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter

Before everyone recycled…there was a town that had 3,168 tons of garbage and nowhere to put it. What did they do?  Enter the Garbage Barge! This mostly true and completely stinky story is sure to make you say “Pee-yew!”

More Story Times

Storytime: B is for Birthday

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

Storytime: L is for Lions

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Storytime: L is for Luck

L is for luck! Do you have a lucky charm? Or had an unlucky day turn into a lucky one? Or maybe a good friend made you feel lucky? The difference between good luck and bad luck can depend on your mindset. By using creativity and imagination while looking at a problem,...

Storytime: L is for Ladybugs

Does your child say “wake” instead of “lake” or “wook” instead of “look?” The “L” sound can be tricky for kids to master. While sounds develop at different ages, imitation is key to learning speech. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind...

Storytime: L is for Lambs

Who knew that lambs love to laugh or that there are sheep in space with colorful coats? Plus, did you know that lambs can walk within minutes of being born, have teeth only on their lower jaw, and possess four stomachs? If you and your child want to learn more about...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in February

Here’s something new to the library, and it’s just for you! ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Some children love to sit and listen to books, and some find other...

Storytime: C is for Confidence

Building confidence in your child at a young age is crucial because it shapes how they see themselves and how they interact with the world. When a child learns confidence, they can see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than a reason to give up. As you read...

Storytime: C is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some effective ways to introduce numbers to your child: Everyday Activities Count objects around the house (toys, fruits, steps). Count fingers and toes...

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week is on its way, and we’ve got some great things planned.

Peeps Diorama Contest!

Submit a book-themed potato and Peeps diorama by 5 p.m. April 2 to be considered for a prize.

Potatoes and Peelers

During Library Appreciation Week (April 4-10), we’re giving away a free bag of potatoes and a potato peeler per family! Come to the library to get yours and see the entered Peeps dioramas.

 

We thank Webster’s Mile High Farms and Wilcox Fresh for sponsoring us this year!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

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...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen 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. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

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,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

Kid and Tween STEAM: Bottle Experiments with Light Refraction

Kid and Tween STEAM: Bottle Experiments with Light Refraction

Experiment with light refraction!

Things you will need include:

  • drawing utensils
  • a glass jar
  • paper
  • cardboard

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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...

Book Babies: Green is Great!

Book Babies: Green is Great!

Book Babies: Green is Great!

Green is great! We celebrated everything green for St. Patrick’s Day today. There were green frogs, green peas and of course… green shamrocks. For more books about the color green, check out some of the additional titles listed below.

Join us live Wednesdays at 10:00 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

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

“I wonder what would happen if…” seems to be the constant unspoken question in toddlers’ minds. They have discovered that they can make things happen. This is actually the beginning of logical thought: action A causes response B.

- Things to Do with Toddlers and Twos by Karen Miller

Activity

Secure a cardboard mailing tube to a stair railing and place a box or basket at the bottom. Give your toddler a ball to feed through the top of the tube. They will love watching the ball go in one end and come out of the other. Talk about why this happens with your toddler. Don’t be afraid to use “large” terms like gravity. It might help to clap out the syllables as you say the word. Then have fun with the tube and balls!

Books Presented

Baby's First St. Patrick's Day by Dawn Sirett

Featuring a soft padded cover and rounded edges, a board book celebration of the Irish holiday depicts the bright and colorful objects associated with its traditions, from costumes and rainbows to four-leaf clovers and pots of gold.

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.

The Wide-Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner

From the Okefenokee Swamp comes a frog with a wide mouth that he just loves to use. Until one day, he meets a big green animal with lots of teeth who finds wide-mouthed frogs simply delicious.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Green and Speckled Frogs

 

Five Green and Speckled Frogs
sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmm…yuuummm!

One jumped into the pool,
where it was nice and cool.
Then there were four green speckled frogs,
Glub glub.

Four green and speckled frogs…
Three green and speckled frogs…
Two green and speckled frogs…
One green and speckled frog…
…Then there were no green speckled frogs!
Glub glub, glub, glub

-Songsforteaching.com

Bounce: Bumping Up and Down in My Little “Green” Wagon

Bumping up and down in my little green wagon,
Bumping up and down in my little green wagon,
Bumping up and down in my little green wagon,
Won’t you be my darling!

– adapted from Pewaukeelibrary.org

Flannel Board: Over on the Hill

Over on the hill in the grass so green
Were the five biggest shamrocks than I’ve ever seen
Along came someone on St Patrick’s Day
And they picked a shamrock and took it away.

– Melissa.depperfamily.net

Fingerplay: Five Fat Peas

Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed,
(have your child hold their hand in a fist)

One grew, two grew, so did all the rest.
(have your child release their fingers one at a time)

They grew and grew,
(have your child wiggle their open hand)

And did not stop,
(have your child wiggle their open hand)

Until one day,
(have your child wiggle their open hand)

The pod went POP!
(have your child clap their hands for the POP)

– Grandmasnurseryrhymes.com

Little Green Frog

All-a-gump! Went the little green frog one day.
All-a-gump! Went the little green frog one day.
All-a-gump! Went the little green frog one day.
And the little green frog went All-a-gump! All-a-gump! All-a-gump!

– Traditional

Additional Books

Little Green Peas by Keith Baker

Little green peas make their way into collections of objects of many different colors, from blue boats, seas, and flags, to orange balloons, umbrellas, and fizzy drinks.

The Tiny Tadpole by Judith Nicholls

Follows the life of a tadpole from spawn to frog.

Nighty Night, Little Green Monster by Ed Emberley

Invites young children to explore colorful die-cut spreads depicting an adorable yellow-eyed monster who gets ready to go to sleep as the stars begin to appear in the night sky.

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

A story about many different sheep, and one that seems to be missing.

More Book Babies

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

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

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

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...

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