Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

The air gets crisp, the nights grow longer, the leaves turn warm hues of yellow, orange, and red, and the scents of harvest ride the wind! It must be fall! There are so many sensory experiences associated with autumn that can last a lifetime. In addition to the items listed below, you might try some fall literacy activities here.

Also, September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! It’s a great time to visit the library and sign-up your young reader for their very own library card!

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

Scarves are very versatile and can be almost anything. Today we are going to pretend that our scarves are leaves falling to the ground along with the song, “Leaves Are Falling.” When you play with scarves at home, talk about what else the scarf can be and what you can do with it. This will help develop your child’s imagination and creativity.

 

 

Activity

Using a scarf, follow the actions indicated by the song, “Leaves Are Falling.”

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Rhyming text and illustrations portray the sights and sounds of autumn, from “rakers, leapers, and corn crop reapers” to “trickers, treaters, and turkey eaters.”

Book cover for Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

 
Discusses the life cycle of leaves, describes how they change color in the fall, and provides instructions for an autumn art project.
Book cover for Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Fall is here, with all its wonderful visual delights–not just colors, but shapes! This clever concept book follows a family on a trip to a pumpkin patch and invites children to pick out shapes from the seasonal scenery–apple bushel circles, square hay bales, diamond kites in the autumn sky!

Book cover for The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

 
Squirrel enjoys looking at the beautiful, colorful leaves, but everyday more and more disappear which makes him think someone is stealing them. Includes information on seasonal leaf loss in Autumn.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Leaves Are Falling

(Tune: London Bridge)
Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down, all around the town.

The wind will blow them round and round, round and round, round and round
The wind will blow them round and round all around the town.

They’re drifting gently to the ground, to the ground, to the ground
They’re drifting gently to the ground, all around the town.

Take a rake a rake them up, rake them up, rake them up,
Take a rake and rake them up all around the town.

Source: Jbrary

Leaves Are Turning

(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)
The leaves are turning red,
The leaves are turning red,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning red.

The leaves are turning yellow,
The leaves are turning yellow,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning yellow.

The leaves are turning orange,
The leaves are turning orange,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning orange.

The leaves are turning brown,
The leaves are turning brown,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning brown.

Source: King County Library System

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)
Once you were a seed so small (pinch fingers together)
Now you are a great big ball (make a big circle overhead)
Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)

Source: Storytime Katie

Look and see

Look and see, look and see! 
Can you find my leaf for me? 
Is it under the ___ ?

Source: The Librarian Is on The Loose

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

Source: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

A coloring page featuring a squirrel gathering acorns during the fall.

Fall Squirrel Coloring Page

 

 

A fall tree craft made by tearing colored tissue paper for the leaves and gluing them to the tree.

Fall Leaf Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Simple text and photographs explore the science behind the transformation that trees undergo in the fall.

Book cover for Leaves by David Ezra Stein

Leaves by David Ezra Stein

A curious bear observes how leaves change throughout the seasons.

Book cover for Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

A man made of leaves blows away, traveling wherever the wind may take him. On die-cut pages.

Book cover for Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

 
Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. “All leaves fall in the fall,” say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?

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Storytime: L is for Lambs

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September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time

Join 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: “Feelings… Big and Small!”
  • Note: No Toddler Time on September 2 (Labor Day)

Story Time (2-5 years old)

  • English: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM, Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
  • Español: lunes a las 10:30 AM
  • September theme: The letter “F” / Tema de septiembre: La letra “F”

Come explore stories, songs, and activities designed to inspire a love of reading! Meet us in the Community Room, and remember, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Chess & Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday* from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.

*There will be no Chess & Game Club on Sept. 2, Labor Day.

Kid ‘n’ Tween Tuesday STEAM

September is packed with exciting adventures at the Library for Kids ‘n’ Tweens! Every Tuesday from 4-5 PM, ages 6-11 and their grown-ups can dive into creative challenges and scientific wonders in our Community Room. Check out what’s in store:

9/3: Kick off with a DIY Newton’s Cradle—get ready to see momentum in action!

9/10: Build something wild in our Compound Word LEGO Challenge—how about a “horseradish” or a “butterfly”?

9/17: Join Cheryl Kimber from Idaho Public Television and PBS Kids for an optical illusion adventure you won’t forget!

9/24: It’s MEGAfig time! Let’s create giant versions of our favorite LEGO minifigs.

10/01: Wrap it up with CD magic rainbows and craft a spinner that dazzles!

Mark your calendars and get ready to create, explore, and have a blast!

Family Friendly Films

Looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend? Join us on Friday, September 6 at 3:30 PM in the Community Room for a screening of IF (rated PG)! This new favorite is all set to be enjoyed on the big screen. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with family and friends!

Important Notes:

  • All ages welcome!
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
  • Parents, please pre-screen the movie to ensure it’s right for your child.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled movie experience!

Books for Boys and Great Reads for Girls Fall Kick-off!

Join us on Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room for the Fall Kick-off of Great Reads for Girls and Books for Boys!

For ages 8-11 and their accompanying adults, this exciting evening will unveil the books you’ll be diving into this season. Plus, you’ll get to:

  • Craft your own bookworm bookmark
  • Receive your official lanyard
  • Collect the first button of the season (you’ll earn more with each book you read!)

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled start to a fantastic season of reading adventures! For book club reminders, sign up here

Closed for Labor Day

The Library will be closed Saturday, August 31 – Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

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...

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Let’s go on a cosmic adventure… with a parachute! You don’t need a parachute for the following activities. You can use a sheet or tablecloth. If you don’t have enough participants to lift it, securely tie the end to the legs of a sofa, bed, or table and watch the fun begin!

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

A favorite game of many children, this exciting rhyme lets the children help count down from five to a blast-off at zero. They know what will happen when the count reaches zero, but the anticipation while counting makes this rhyme a great skill builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place. – “Reading Picture Books with Children” by Lambert

 

 

Activity

Give your child a cardboard tube or scarf and pretend it is a rocket ship or she is the astronaut at the controls. Ask her to count down with you and then lift your rockets high on blastoff. Or you can squat down with your child pretending to be a rocket, and jump up on blastoff.

Books Presented

Book cover for Pop Up Peekaboo Space

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Space

5,4,3,2,1 – blast off! Go on an out-of-this-world adventure with two brave astronauts, Daisy and Danny, in this lift-the-flap baby book. Rocket into space, past the stars and planets, and join them as they land on the moon. Discover brave astronauts, space rockets and funny alien spaceships in this imaginative pop-up book! Babies and toddlers can lift the flaps and watch them pop up from the page. This peekaboo picture book helps teach young children object permanence, which is an important step in childhood development. The simple rhyming text will boost your little one’s imagination as they guess which intergalactic character is hiding under the flaps. The easy-to-read text helps preschoolers remember the new words they are learning for early language development. Turning the sturdy, board book pages and moving the pop-ups help toddlers develop motor control for improved dexterity.

Book cover for Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

 
Gail, an adventurous snail, is willing to do what it takes to achieve her dream of traveling to outer space.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Universe Song

Tune: Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Oh the universe is great and the universe is far
There’s a whole lot planets and galaxies and stars
And we live right here on a planet called, Earth
and this is what we do our space adventure.
We take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down,
take the rocket ship up,
take the rocket ship down
Take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down
and we turn around.

If You’re Happy and You Know It! Space Adventure

If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want to travel far and circle round the stars
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high

Verses: shake it fast, shake it slow

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom, 
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take a trip, 
Climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom, zoom, zoom! We’re going to the moon!

Far, far far, We’re going to the stars…

Fun, fun, fun, We’re going to the sun…

Source: Jbrary
Extra verses

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring an astronaut in space.

Astronaut in Space Coloring page

 

 

Paper craft with a spaceship flying through space.

Flying Spaceship Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella loves the wonders of Outer Space, but it is only when she meets a fellow space traveler looking for a planet that her eyes are opened to the wonders of Earth.
Book cover for Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

 
A little pig imagines what it would be like to be a daring astronaut.
Book cover for Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Angry at being downgraded to a dwarf planet by Earth scientists, Pluto travels through the solar system, asking other planets along the way for support, in hopes of regaining his planetary status.
Book cover for Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

During a visit to a space museum, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about planets, space crafts, space suits, and even dirty snowballs (i.e. comets)!

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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

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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...

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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: Adventures in the Dark

Storytime: Adventures in the Dark

Storytime: Adventures in the Dark

Some children are afraid of the dark, but with careful conversations, they can discover that, even in the dark or night time, they can find light and even an adventure!

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

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

Books Presented

Book cover for Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex and his friend Pointy are planning a campout in the backyard, but they are both worried that the dark will be altogether too dark, so they plan on bringing a night light with them–but when the night light does not work they bravely open their eyes and discover the stars above.
Book cover for The Keeper of the Stars by Jennifer Harris

Keeper of the Stars by Jennifer Harris

Every night after his mom reads him three stories, Milo, who misses spending time with his absent father, carefully slides out from under the covers (without waking his mom) and tiptoes to the open window to wait for the friendly comet that will take him far above the clouds to help the Keeper of Stars. At the end of a long day, there’s lots to clean up in the sky: balloons, stray feathers, and once, even a befuddled paraglider! Together, Milo and the Keeper of Stars wash and polish the stars (which would be easier if they weren’t so ticklish!). And sometimes the Keeper of Stars lets Milo play games with the baby stars (who are more than a bit unruly and have a tendency to get tangled up). When everything is tidy, Milo and the Keeper of Stars share a snack of cocoa and herring fish sandwiches and admire the night sky that’s brimming with a million bright twinkles. Then the comet pulls Milo all the way back to his bedroom, where he slides into bed, nuzzles under the blanket and, at last, closes his eyes. A timeless story about the power of love and imagination.
Book cover for Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Possum is hiding from the sounds in the night, and his fear sets off a chain reaction in the other night animals.
Book cover for A Happy Place by Britta Teckentrup

A Happy Place by Britta Teckentrup

Takes readers on a magical, moonlit adventure following a tiny star and invites all to dance with a host of animals. But is it all a dream?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Looking for Some Stars

Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars.
Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars.
We think that we will take a look underneath the ________ book.
Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars. 5,4,3,2,1!

Can You Shake Your Egg With Me?

(Tune: London Bridge)
Can you shake your egg with me?
Shake your egg along with me
It’s as easy as can be
Now put it on your tummy!
(head, knee, ear, etc.)

Source: Jbrary

Roly Poly

(Tune: “Frère Jacques”)
Roly poly, roly poly
Up, up, up
up, up, up
Roly roly poly
roly roly poly
down, down, down
down, down, down
Repeat with: out/in, fast/slow

Source: Jbrary

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…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out.

 

Crafts and Activities

Family observing the stars coloring page

Stargazing Coloring Page

 

 

Flashlight paper craft

Flashlight Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Ella's Night Lights by Lucy Fleming

Ella's Night Lights by Lucy Fleming

A light-loving magical girl with mothlike wings that are too delicate to be out in the sun collects glowing objects while flittering about at night, sharing them with others who need them most until the day her animal friends decide to return her kindness.
Book cover for My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith

My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith

At bedtime, when lights go out, sometimes thoughts stay on. Scary things and worries flutter and flap around. It’s so hard to sleep! But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts–and sweet dreams for little ones.
Book cover for Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

In this story without words, a boy explores the woods after dark with a flashlight.
Book cover for Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child

Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child

When Uncle and Windy Girl attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Uncle’s stories inspire visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers — all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow.

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...

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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 &...

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 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...

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Let’s go on an adventure… in your own backyard. Or perhaps you’d like to check out some of the great places in your community. Adventures close to home build lasting memories and relationships with your child. So, hop on a bike, load up the stroller and discover what’s hiding in your own backyard!

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

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

From flip-flops and hide and seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, there is something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the summer season.
Book cover for The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

The Grunions’ house had many doors. But there was one door, that had never been opened before! The door that had never been opened before was built closed shut, locked tight, and never opened for a reason. A reason that nobody knew. Geraldine opened every door she ever found. Geraldine opened every door and went everywhere and met everyone and did everything. Everything, except one thing. Geraldine had never opened the Door that had never been opened before…not yet!
Book cover for Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Bert is certain he can ride his bike as well as Frank, but he is very wobbly! And even when they both try riding Frank’s bike it still goes very wrong! Will the best friends make it all the way down from the big hill? Of course! All they need is a little bit of confidence and trust in each other!
Book cover for The New Bicycle by Darcy Day Zoells

The New Bicycle by Darcy Day Zoells

Mari lives in a very normal house in a very normal neighborhood. One day, she gets a new bicycle. It’s bight, bold and brimming with possibilities! Mari sets off to see where her new bicycle will take her and her trip down the block becomes a fantastic adventure. During her journey, paving her own way, she meets new friends, transports precious cargo, and finds endless places to explore before returning home. An imaginative little road movie layered with meaning to ride along.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Wheels on the Bike

(tune: “The Wheels on the Bus”)
The wheels on the bike go round and round (roll hands over each other)
Round and round, round and round.
The wheels on the bike go round and round
All through the town.

Other Verses:
The pedals on the bike go up and down (move feet up and down)
The streamers on the bike go swish, swoosh, swish (move hands in a swishing motion)
The bell on the bike goes ding, ding, ding (pretend to ring a bell)
The basket on the bike holds all the things (make arms into a circle like a basket in front of you)
The handles on the bike go left and right (pretend hands on handlebar, steer left and right)….

Source: Jen in the Library

Mouse in the House

Little mouse, little mouse.
Are you in the _____ house?

Swimming

Swimming in the water cool and bright (pretend to swim)
I kick my feet with all my might (kick feet)
And when I’m tired I turn and float (spin and hold arms out)
Pretending that I’m a boat! (rock hands)
I like to hold my breath and dive (take a breath and bend down)
Swim beneath the water and count to five (count to five)
Wow! What a dive!

Source: Storytime Katie

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a child on a bike with a background of stars

Bicycle Coloring Page

 

 

Picture of a bicycle craft

Bicycle Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

A mother and son hop on their bike for a ride through the neighborhood, joining friends and neighbors along the way.
Book cover for Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

Bunnies are on the bus and causing all kinds of mayhem on the streets of Sunny Town.
Book cover for Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris

Kayla and Mateo enjoy passing drawings of dinosaurs to each other across the clothesline that runs between their apartment windows, but when the clothesline is taken down, the two children must find a new way to keep their story–and friendship going
Book cover for Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht

Today will be a busy day for Taxi! There are plenty of passengers to pick up, and they all need a ride–to a football game, a play, a business meeting, the airport, and more. Whizzing left, right, and through traffic, Taxi has to STOP for red lights and emergency vehicles. But after every stop, stop, stop, it’s Taxi…go, go, GO

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Storytime: L is for Luck

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Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Mysteries, scavenger hunts, and puzzles are not only great fun for both you and your child, but they also build critical thinking, problem solving and social skills. So, pull out a puzzle or go on a nature scavenger hunt together. When reading a book with a mysterious plot, help your child to look for clues in the illustrations or text and then make a “who-dunnit” deduction before the final reveal at the end.

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

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson

Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson

Oliver has always dreamed about where he will fit. Will he be in the mane of a unicorn? The tentacle of a pirate squid? The helmet of an astronaut? When he finally goes in search of his perfect place, he finds that trying to fit in is a lot harder than he thought. But as with any puzzle, a little trial and error leads to a solution, and Oliver figures out exactly where he belongs.

Book cover for What About X?: An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert

What About X?: An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert

Ready to go on a camping trip with the Alphabet Academy? F packs fishing poles. J has juice boxes for everyone. T tackles a tent. But X can’t think of a thing to bring!

Book cover for Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood

Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood

When a 007-year-old embarks on a bedtime mission called Operation Lollipop, he’s prepared for every eventuality–except one.

Book cover for Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute

Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute

Deer wakes up to find one of his antlers is missing…and there’s a tennis racket in its place? One by one his friends also uncover that their important items from glasses to lucky boots have been swapped with silly, useless replacements like donuts and swim flippers. They’ve been hornswoggled! (Hornswoggled means tricked.) It’s pure poppycock! (Poppycock means nonsense.) Once they gather together to find out what happened, will they find the true thief or be outfoxed? Laugh along with a hilarious cast of animal characters searching for the mysterious trickster in this humorous whodunit bursting with exciting, wacky words that kids will love.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Very Last Puzzle Piece

Who has the very last puzzle piece? 
_______ has the very last puzzle piece!
Who me? 
Yes you! 
Couldn’t be! 
Then who? 
_______!

Source: Cooperative Summer Library Program

Where is Thumbkin?

Where is Thumbkin? 
Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you today, sir? 
Very well, I thank you,.
Run away, run away.

Verses: Where is pointer?
Where is tall man?
Where is ring man?
Where is pinky?

Source: Jbrary

The ABCs in 5 Different Tunes

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
London Bridge
Mary Had a Little Lamb
This Old Man
Head, shoulders Knees & Toes

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a camping scene and asking if you can find things in the picture.

Search and Find

 

 

Puzzles made from painted craft sticks.

Craft Stick Puzzle

Additional Books

Book cover for The Thingamajig by Rilla Alexander

The Thingamajig by Rilla Alexander

 
A young elephant embarks on a whimsical quest to find various lost objects belonging to their animal neighbors, uncovering a mystery as snail, squirrel, and ladybugs reveal their missing items. Backmatter pages explain the around-the-world origins of each nonsense word appearing in the story.
Book cover for We're Gong on a Treasure Hunt by Kelly DiPucchio

We're Going on a Treasure Hunt by Kelly DiPucchio

 
In this twist on “We’re going on a bear hunt,” swashbuckling pirates on a quest for buried treasure brave wicked whales, giant squids, booming thunder, and spine-tingling ghosts, but quake at the sight of a small mouse.
Book cover for I Spy Ocean Animals by Camelia Jacobs

I Spy Ocean Animals by Camelia Jacobs

 
A Children’s Ocean Animal Spy book with clear pictures and child-friendly colors to boost the children’s habit to explore and find. In this book children will learn to observe multiple ocean animal pictures and discover the correct one, and the next page provides the proper answer!
Book cover for How to Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley

How To Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley

When a wild boar with a passion for clover discovers a rare patch in the woods, he is determined to patiently stand guard until it blooms–but he is not the only clover enthusiast in the forest, and it takes reading a good book for him to figure out the mystery

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...

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...

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 &...

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 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...

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