SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and you’ll see the magic of learning blossom in your baby!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Letter recognition is a strong predictor of future reading success, serving as a foundation for reading and writing skills and enhancing cognitive development by developing visual processing skills.

 

Activity

As part of your daily reading routine, add a letter recognition activity such as the “Alphabet Tree.” Make a cardboard tube tree and put some items in a box or bag that start with the letters of your child’s name. When they pick an item, write the first letter on a sticky note and let your child put it on the “tree” and set the item at the trunk. Sing the “Alphabet Tree” song together.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson.

Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson

An immersive book with die-cuts and liftable flaps asks readers to identify a series of animals.
Book cover for Sleepy ABC by Margaret Wise Brown

Sleepy ABC by Margaret Wise Brown

Simple rhymes and quilt-like paintings illustrate bedtime scenes for each letter of the alphabet.
Book cover for Kipper's A to Z by Mick Inkpen.

Kipper's A to Z by Mick Inkpen

Kipper the dog and his friend Arnold work through the alphabet by collecting animals and other things for each letter.
Book cover for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin

An alphabet rhyme/chant that relates what happens when the whole alphabet tries to climb a coconut tree.
Book cover for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed the ABCs by Lucille Colandro

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed the ABCs by Lucille Colandro

In this adaptation of the traditional nursery rhyme, a woman swallows the alphabet.
Book cover for Dr. Seuss's ABC by Dr Seuss.

Dr. Seuss's ABC by Dr. Seuss

Arguably the most entertaining alphabet book ever written, this classic Beginner Book features a fantastic cast of characters—among them a lazy lion licking a lollipop, an ostrich oiling an orange owl, and ten tired turtles on a tuttle-tuttle tree—paired with zany illustrations that help decode the text. A perfect gift for children learning the alphabet—and Seuss fans of all ages—at an exceptional value!
Book cover for Arf! Buzz! Cluck!: A Rather Noisy Alphabet by Eric Seltzer.

Arf! Buzz! Cluck!: A Rather Noisy Alphabet by Eric Seltzer

Animals sure are noisy! Learn about animal sounds from letters A to Z!
Book cover for A You're Adorable by Martha Alexander.

A You're Adorable by Martha Alexander

An assortment of children and pets climb over, under, and through the letters of the alphabet in this illustrated presentation of a familiar song. Includes music.
Book cover for I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs.

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

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

Vehicles ABC by Jannie Ho

This alphabet book for babies and toddlers features lots of familiar vehicles, providing hours of first-word fun. Learn the ABCs with bright pictures and a wide variety of things that go! And it’s perfect for taking along on a ride — whatever your mode of transportation

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Acka Backa Soda Cracker

Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo, (lean forward on ‘boo‘)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
I love you! (kiss baby’s head or hug baby)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo, (lean backwards on ‘boo‘)
Acka backa soda cracker, (bounce to rhythm)
Up goes you! (lift baby up)

Source: Lit for Life Bouncy Rhymes

Big A, Little a

Big A, Little a, (spread hands wide apart, then bring them close together)
Bouncing B (bounce up and down)
The cat’s in the cupboard
And he can’t see me! 
Peek-a-boo! (lift baby up and backwards)

Source: The Loudest Librarian

Alphabet Tree

(Tune: Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush)
Here we go round the Alphabet Tree,
The Alphabet Tree,
The Alphabet Tree.
Here we go round the
Alphabet Tree,
Singing the sounds of letters.

This is the sound that B can make
 ‘b’,’b’,’b’,
‘b’,’b’,’b’,
This is the sound that B can make
In words like bell and baby.

This how we spell your name, spell your name, spell your name.
This is how we spell your name, just like this!
G-I-N-A
Yeah!

Source: Kids Press Magazine

Lift One Foot and Then the Other

Lift one foot and then the other,
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift them both together.
(Verses: Lift one arm, clap your hands and keep on clapping)

Source: Jbrary

Mama’s Little Baby Loves Bouncin’

(tune: Shortnin’ Bread)
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round,
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round.

Lean to the left, lean to the right
Now hug that baby nice and tight!
Lean to the left, lean to the right
Now hug that baby nice and tight

(can alter to Daddy. Grandma, Grandpa, Nanny, etc.)

Source: King County Library System

Baby Sign Language

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SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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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...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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 receiving. Even something as simple as counting candles on a cake introduces early math skills. It’s also a wonderful time for parents to reflect on their child’s growth and developmental milestones. So… happy birthday!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Talk to your child throughout the day! Narrate what you’re doing, ask them questions, and respond to their babbles or words. This builds their vocabulary and helps them understand the flow of language.

 

Activity

Pick a favorite book and find objects around the house that match things in the story. For example, if you’re reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, gather small stuffed animals or toys that match the animals in the book. As you read, let your toddler find and hold each object. This makes reading interactive and fun while reinforcing word-object connections!

 

Books Presented

Book cover for A Birthday for Cow by Jan Thomas

A Birthday for Cow! by Jan Thomas

Despite the objections of Pig and Mouse, Duck insists on adding a special ingredient to the cake they are making to celebrate Cow’s birthday.
Book cover for Little White Fish Has a Party by Guido Van Genechten

Little White Fish Has a Party by Guido Van Genechten

Little white fish is getting bigger! Today he is turning two. All sorts of sea creatures are coming to his party: round and skinny ones, long and short ones, and straight and curved ones too. A playful book about opposites.
Book cover for Where is Baby's Birthday Cake? by Karen Katz

Where is Baby's Birthday Cake?: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Karen Katz

It’s Baby’s birthday, but where is Baby’s cake? Little ones will love lifting the large, sturdy flaps to find Baby’s birthday cake in this new Karen Katz board book. Children will discover fun, festive objects under each flap until they finally find Baby’s yummy birthday cake on the final page of this adorable title.

Book cover for The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli

The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli

An imaginative young child has a wonderful time playing with a box he receives for his birthday.
Book cover for Click, Clack, Surprise! by Doreen Cronin

Click, Clack, Surprise! by Doreen Cronin

Little Duck wants to look good for his birthday party so he observes how his barnyard buddies clean up, but what works for the other animals does not work for Little Duck, and he ends up messier than before.
Book cover for Happy Birthday, Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton

Happy Birthday, Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton

Little Pookie wakes Mom and Dad up when it is still dark to celebrate its birthday.
Book cover for Dog & Friends Birthday by Emma Dodd

Dog & Friends: Birthday by Emma Dodd

Have fun with Dog and his animal friends as they discover lots of words and their meanings together
Book cover for The Crayons' Book of Colors by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

The Crayons' Book of Colors by Drew Daywalt

It’s Duncan’s birthday, and all the crayons want to make him a card! With their fun and quirky illustrations of firetrucks, dragons, and (dare we say?) wheat, these creative crayons each have something different to contribute. When they come together, they can make something truly spectacular to celebrate Duncan’s birthday!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Grand Old Duke of York

The Grand Old Duke of York 
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill 
And he marched them down again. 
And when they’re up, they’re up. 
And when they’re down, they’re down. 
And when they’re only halfway up 
They’re neither up nor down.

Oh he marched them to the left.
And he marched them to the right.
Then he marched them up to the top of the hill,
And marched them out of sight. 

Source: Jbrary

Pat a Cake

Pat a cake, pat a cake
Baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Pat it and roll it
And mark it with B
And put it in the oven for Baby and me!

Source: Cali’s Books

Five Birthday Candles

5 birthday candles, wish there were more, blow out one (blow), and then there are 4

4 birthday candles, pretty as can be, blow out one (blow), and then there are 3

3 birthday candles, mother bought them new, blow out one (blow), and then there are 2

2 birthday candles, birthday cakes are fun, blow out one (blow), and then there is 1

1 birthday candle, a birthday wish is fun, but blow out one, then there are none!

Source: Pasadena Public Library

Wiggle, Waggle Went the Bear

Wiggle, waggle went the bear
Catching bees in his underwear
One bee out, one bee in
One bee bit him on his big bearskin!

Source: Jbrary

Toss Your Scarves

Tune: Jingle Bells
Toss your scarves, toss your scarves
Toss them way up high.
Toss your scarves up in the air,
‘til they reach the sky.

Wave your scarves, wave your scarves,
Twirl them ‘round and ‘round.
Twirl your scarves one more time,
Then let them, all fall down.

Source: Preschool Express

If You’re Happy and You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it, wave your scarf.
If you’re happy and you know it, wave your scarf.
If you’re happy and you know it, your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, wave your scarf.
*peek-a-boo, wave it high, wave it low, shake it fast, shake it slow.

Source: Preschool Express

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

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...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

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: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

The concept of loud and soft plays an important role in music and throughout life. Children need to know when a loud voice is OK and when a soft voice is required. Through music, they can have fun learning the difference between loud and soft. – “Reading Picture Books With Children” by Lambert

 

Activity

When you sing, “Two Little Lambs,” with your child, sing the word, “soft,” softly and the word, “loud,” loudly.

 

Books Presented

Cover of Where is Green Sheep by Mem Fox.

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

A story about many different sheep, and one that seems to be missing.
Book cover for Sheep Blast Off! by Nancy Shaw

Sheep Blast Off! by Nancy Shaw

Upon finding a spaceship, sheep climb aboard and bumble around until they blast off into orbit.
Book cover for Mary Had a Little Lamb by Iza Trapani

Mary Had a Little Lamb by Iza Trapani

This expanded version of the traditional rhyme shows what happens when the lamb decides to go off alone. Includes music on the last page.

Book cover for And I Have You: A Book of Mothers and Babies by Maggie Smith

And I Have You: A Book of Mothers and Babies by Maggie Smith

 celebration of a mother’s love for her baby. A cat has her kittens, a dog has her puppies, a sheep has her lamb, and I have you. This book celebrates the love between mothers and babies throughout the animal kingdom. Ducklings, piglets, foals, and fawns frolic through the pages. As our human baby grows from newborn to toddler, Mom offers the constant, comforting refrain: Wherever you go, whatever you see, I’ll always have you and you’ll always have me. Maggie Smith has created a classic first book for mothers and babies– a feast for the eyes and a hug for the heart.
Book cover for That's Not My Lamb... : Its Nose is too Rough by Fiona Watt

That's Not My Lamb... : Its Nose is Too Rough by Fiona Watt

Meet five adorable little lambs in this charming addition to the much-loved That’s not my. series. Babies love the best-selling That’s not my. books with their bold illustrations, patches to stroke, and a mouse to spot on every page, all designed to develop sensory and language awareness.

Book cover for My Little Lamb by Hannah Eliot

My Little Lamb by Hannah Eliot

This sweet springtime board book with a padded cover is perfect to share with your gentle little lamb! ‘My little lamb, come snuggle with me. Then off on your own, with the birds and bees.’ Adorable lambs have adventures during the day then come home safe and sound for nighttime snuggles
Book cover for No More Blanket for Lambkin! by Bernette G. Ford

No More Blanket for Lambkin! by Bernette G. Ford

Ducky wants to play laundry day and wash Lambkin’s blanket. But an unexpected event occurs when the blanket is washed.
Book cover for Baa, Baa, Black Sheep! by Annie Kubler

Baa Baa, Black Sheep! by Annie Kubler

 
Includes song lyrics and full-page colour illustrations which demonstrate sign language hand shapes and movements.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Zoom, Baaa, Zoom

Zoom, Baaa, zoom! The sheep are on the moon!
Zoom, Baaa, zoom! The sheep are on the moon!
When they want to take a trip, 
They climb aboard their rocket ship.
Zoom, baaa, zoom! The sheep are on the moon! 5-4-3-2-1 Baaaaast off!

Far, baaa, far! the sheep are in the stars…
Fun, baaa, fun! The sheep are on the sun…

Adapted from Jbrary

Two Little Lambs Sitting on a Hill

Two little lambs sitting on a hill,
One named Jack and one named Jill,
Run away Jack, run away Jill.
Come back Jack, come back Jill.
Two little lambs sitting on a hill,
One named Jack and one named Jill.

Two little lambs fluffy as a cloud,
One named Soft and one named Loud!
Run away Soft, run away Loud!
Come back Soft, come back Loud!
Two little lambs fluffy as a cloud,
One named Soft, and one named Loud!

Adapted from Jbrary

The Bean Bag

Chorus:
Throw the bean bag and catch
Turn around, turn around, stamp, stamp, stamp
Throw the bean bag and catch
Turn around, turn around, stamp, stamp, stamp
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Repeat Chorus
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Put it on your shoulder
Put it on your elbow
Put it on your knee
Put it on your back now
Put it on your stomach
Put it on your finger
Put it on your foot
Put it on your arm now
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Put it on your head and walk around the room
Repeat Chorus

Source: Hap Palmer

Lamb Trot

(tune “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)
My lamb is trotting on my toes, on my toes, on my toes
My lamb is trotting on my toes –
BAAA! BAAA! BAAA! (move bean bag to knee)

My lamb is trotting on my knee…
My lamb is trotting on my tummy…
My lamb is trotting on my shoulder…
My lamb is leaping on my head, on my head, on my head (balance bean bag on head)

My lamb is leaping on my head –
He leaped away! BAAA! (make bean bag fall to floor)

Adapted from Storytime Stuff

If You have a Green Sheep

Tune: Do you know the muffin man?
If you have a green* sheep, a green sheep, a green sheep
If you have a green sheep
Come, put it in the barn!

*Red, yellow, blue

Lift One Foot and Then the Other

Lift one foot and then the other,
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift them both together.
(Verses: Lift one arm, clap your hands and keep on clapping)

Source: Jbrary

Mama’s Little Baby Love Bouncin’

(Tune: Shortnin’ Bread)
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round,
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round.

Lean to the left, lean to the right
Now hug that baby nice and tight!
Lean to the left, lean to the right
Now hug that baby nice and tight

(can alter to Daddy. Grandma, Grandpa, Nanny, etc)

Source: Verona Storytime

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

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...

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

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

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 objects while talking.

  • Sing Counting Songs: Simple rhymes like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,” “Five Little Ducks,” “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,” and “Ten in the Bed,” are great rhymes for introducing numeracy.

  • Show Numbers: High-contrast number books are perfect for counting as your baby’s eyes are developing.

? 1-2 Years (Recognition & Basic Counting)

  • Point & Count Objects: Count toys, snacks, or steps while walking.

  • Use Hands-On Toys: Stacking cups, number puzzles, blocks and even socks are excellent “toys” to learn counting.

  • Finger Play: Counting on fingers helps build number association.

  • Repetition & Rhymes: Continue singing songs and reading books with numerical concepts.

 

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Musical rhythms and rhymes encourage spontaneous movement that strengthens the child’s body and helps to develop sensory control. Large movements, such as those in knee bounces, help develop gross motor skill. – “Reading Picture Books With Children” by Lambert

 

Activity

While reciting the rhyme, “Trot, Trot to Boston,” gently bounce your baby on your outstretched legs and gently drop her between your legs on the last line of the verse. Then, bounce your baby again and lean to the side at the end of the second verse. For toddlers, sit on the floor and bounce outstretched legs up and down, then lean to one side as far as possible for the last line of both verses.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Five Little Chicks by Nancy Tafuri

Five Little Chicks by Nancy Tafuri

Five chicks and their mother peck in the corn patch in search of breakfast.
Book cover of One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman

One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman

Look there, in a child’s bedroom, where some prehistoric pals are gathered in a counting game. Nine dinosaurs are playing a sing-song rendition of hide-and-seek – but something isn’t adding up. Where is number ten? Stomp, stomp, stomp! CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP! Ready or not, here he comes, and he sounds . . . big! With big, bold numerals, an array of dinosaurs in comical poses, and a humorous twist at the end, this tribute to a child’s imagination makes learning numbers a gigantic treat.
Book cover for Ten Tiny Tickles by Karen Katz

Ten Tiny Tickles by Karen Katz

Family members awaken a baby with tickles, from one little tickle on a lovely sleepy head to ten tiny tickles on the toes. On board pages.

Book cover for Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

Pete the cat loves the buttons on his shirt so much that he makes up a song about them, and even as the buttons pop off, one by one, he still finds a reason to sing.
Book cover for Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker

Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker

Big Fat Hen counts to ten with her friends and all their chicks.

Book cover for Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

How many kisses does a tired baby need to change her from crying into sleeping?
Book cover for Five Little Ducks by Teri Weidner

Five Little Ducks by Teri Weidner

A duck with a feather on his back leads his siblings with a “quack, quack, quack.” End notes list the benefits of children’s poems and songs.
Book cover for Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood

Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood

It’s an undersea countdown in the newest book by bestselling author Audrey Wood and her dynamic, digital-artist son, Bruce. Follow ten little fish as they swim along a beautiful ocean reef, one by one departing from the school for different reasons, eventually leaving one fellow all alone. What will he do? Along comes another, and that makes two! Soon he becomes a father and she becomes a mother–with ten little children of their own. The rhyming text helps readers go from one to ten and back again, and each illustration pops with all the color and depth of an underwater playground.
Book cover for Five Little Ducks: First Book of Nursery Games by Ailie Busby

Five Little Ducks: First Book of Nursery Games by Ailie Busby

Spend time with your toddler exploring this delightful book of nursery games. Here you’ll find many well-known games, with a sprinkling of modern variations, for every occasion in a young child’s day. This book is bound to become a much-loved addition to every nursery bookcase.
Book cover for Doggies: A Counting and Barking Book by Sandra Boynton

Doggies: A Counting and Barking Book by Sandra Boynton

Dogs of all shapes and sizes bark from one to ten.
Book cover for Brown Bear and Friends 1 2 3 by Eric Carle

Brown Bear and Friends 1 2 3 by Eric Carle

From Eric Carle’s Brown Bear and Friends comes an exciting new novelty crinkle board book original exploring the perennial favorite: counting and numbers! Brown Bear delights in each number from 1 to 10 in this charming counting book. With rhythmic, rhyming, read-aloud text, and an oh-so-touchable crinkle novelty cover, it’s perfect for the youngest of readers. Featuring Eric Carle’s bright, distinctive artwork, each number introduces a group of foods, animals, sounds, and so much more. It’s an exploration of numbers and counting that will engage all of the senses!
Book cover for A Little Book About 123s by Leo Lionni

A Little Book About 123s by Leo Lionni

Learn numbers with a playful group of mice planning a party.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bouncing, Bouncing, Baby on my Knee

Bouncing, bouncing, baby on my knee.
Bouncing, bouncing, 1 – 2 – 3!

Clapping, clapping, baby on my knee.
Clapping, clapping, 1 – 2 – 3!

Rocking, rocking, baby on my knee.
Rocking, rocking, 1 – 2 – 3!

Source: Jbrary

Here is the Beehive

Here is the beehive
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Buzz up high. Buzz down low.
Buzzing fast. Buzzing slow.
Buzz to the left. Buzz to the right.
Buzz all day but sleep at night.

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Source: Super Simple

Jumping and Counting

Jump Jump Jump Jump
Jumping high are we.
But we’ll stop jumping
While we count to three.

Jump Jump Jump Jump
Jumping even more.
But we’ll stop jumping
While we count to four.

Jump Jump Jump Jump
Just like pogo sticks.
But let’s stop jumping
While we count to six.

Jump Jump Jump Jump
Jumping then we wait.
We stop our jumping
While we count to eight.

Jump Jump Jump Jump
Jumping once again.
But we’ll be finished
Once we count to ten.

Source: Jim Gill

Bubble, Bubble, Pop!

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water.

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble…POP!

Source: Jbrary

1, 2, Shake it on Your Shoe

1, 2, shake it on your shoe
3, 4, shake it on the floor
5, 6, stir and mix
7, 8, stand up straight
9, 10 wave to your friends

Source: Jbrary

Trit Trot to Boston

Trit-trot to Boston, Trit-trot to Lynn,
Watch out little baby, or you might fall in!
Trit-trot to Boston, Trit-trot to Dover,
Watch out little baby, or you might fall over!

Source: King County Library System

Ten in the Bed

There were ten in the bed
and the little one said
roll over, roll over
So they all rolled over 
and one fell out

There were 9 in the bed…
Count down to zero.

Source: Jbrary

Five Little Seashells

5 little seashells lying on the shore,
Swish! went the waves, and then there were 4.
4 little seashells, cozy as could be,
Swish! went the waves, and then there were 3.
3 little seashells, all pearly new,
Swish! went the waves, and then there were 2.
2 little seashells, lying in the sun,
Swish! went the waves, and then there was 1.
1 little seashell, left all alone,
I whispered “Shhh” as I took it home !!

Source: King County Library System

The Way the Baby Grows

Five fingers on this hand,
Five fingers are on that.

A dear little nose,
A mouth like a rose,
Two cheeks so tiny and fat.

Two eyes, two ears,
And ten little toes.
That’s the way the baby grows.

Source: 1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays by Totline Staff

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

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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...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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 soup recipes from Yummy Toddler Food which will entice the pickiest of eaters!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Cooking as a family not only helps your child appreciate healthy food, but it also can add to your child’s development. The kitchen is the ultimate classroom where science, math, language, and motor skills can come to life. ~National Head Start Association

 

Activity

Practice counting while you stir, measure, or sort foods to encourage an understanding of math and build fine and gross motor skills. After chopping, plop ends of the green onions into water to watch roots grow. Find fun new words to describe the way foods look, feel, taste, smell, and even sound when we prepare them. – NHSA Webinar: Cooking with Kids

Books Presented

Book cover for Soup Day: A Picture Book by Melissa Iwai

Soup Day by Melissa Iwai

A mother and daughter spend a snowy day together buying and preparing vegetables, assembling ingredients, and playing while their big pot of soup bubbles on the stove. Includes a recipe for “Snowy Day Vegetable Soup.”
Book cover for Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley

Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley

Describes how to make a colorful, delicious vegetable soup. Includes recipe.
Book cover for Is That Wise, Pig? by Jan Thomas

Is That Wise Pig? by Jan Thomas

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

Book cover for Nose to Toes, You are Yummy! by Tim Harrington

Nose to Toes, You are Yummy! by Tim Harrington

Perfect for fans of Eric Carle’s From Head to Toe! Sing and dance along with tigers, pandas, giraffes, and more in this interactive picture book. Wave your hands! Tap your feet! Tug your ears! From the singer of Les Savy Fav, Tim Harrington, comes this joyful celebration that celebrates every delightful body part.

Book cover for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Dinner: A Shapes Book by World of Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Dinner: A Shapes Book by World of Eric Carle

Die-cut pages illustrate the concept of shapes as a hungry caterpillar eats different things for dinner.

Book cover for Mrs. Peanuckle's Kitchen Alphabet by Jessie Ford

Mrs. Peanuckle's Kitchen Alphabet by Jessie Ford

An alphabet book of cooking from A to Z.
Book cover for Yum Yum! by Yusuke Yonezu

Yum Yum! by Yusuke Yonezu

Invites young readers to peer through die-cut pages to see preferred food items for different animals.
Book cover for Eating by Liesbet Slegers

Eating by Liesbet Slegers

A hungry toddler shows off his high chair, bib, spoon, and other things he uses to eat.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

A Bouncing We Will Go

A bouncing we will go 
A bouncing we will go, a bouncing we will go
Hi ho the derry o, a bouncing we will go

A rocking we will go…
A tickling we will go…
Let’s all go up and down…
Now… let’s go back and forth.

Source: Jbrary

I Feel Crazy so I Jump in the Soup

I feel crazy so I jump in the soup X3
I jump jump jump in the soup

…swim…
…gallop…
…splash…
….sit….

Source: Laurie Berkner

Making Soup

Here is the chef, making a soup (wiggle thumb)
Add a pinch of this, (touch thumb to pointer finger)
add a dash of that (touch thumb to middle finger)
A little bit of this, (touch thumb to ring finger)
and a whole lot of that (touch thumb to pinky finger)

Give it all a stir, mix it ‘till it’s done (stir with all fingers)
Making soup is so much fun! (ASL- fun)
Yum! 

Source: Music with Shannon

There are Noodles in My Soup

There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are oodles, oodles, oodles
Of the most delicious noodles
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup

Source: Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

One Little Pea Jumped Into the Pot

One little pea jumped into the pot,
And waited for the soup to get hot.
Two little peas…
Finally, the soup got so very, very hot,
That all the little peas jumped out of the pot!

Source: The Librarian Is on the Loose

The Diaper on the Bottom

(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus) 
The diaper on the bottom
Comes off, off, off 
Off, off, off, 
Off, off, off 
The diaper on the bottom 
Comes off, off, off 
Nice and clean! 

Two Little Eyes

Tune: Five Little Ducks 
Two little eyes to see all around,
(gently stroke around baby’s eyes in a circle) 
Two little ears to hear each sound, (stroke around ears) 
One little nose to smell what’s sweet, (softly pat nose with finger) 
And one little mouth that likes to eat! (circle around mouth, then bounce near it with finger)

Source: King County Library System

If You’re Happy and You Know It

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

If you’re happy and you know it give a clap. (Clap shaker against palm.)

If you’re happy and you know it give a tap.(Tap shaker on the floor.)

If you’re happy and you know it do all three. (Shake, shake, clap, clap, tap, tap)

Away up high in the apple tree

Away up high in the apple tree,
A bright red apple smiled down at me.
I shook that tree as hard as I could.
Down fell the apple — mmmm… it was good!

Source: All Nursery Rhymes

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

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...

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

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

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 your child, don’t forget to incorporate “play time”, too. A simple game like Duck, Duck, Goose or even Peek-a-Boo will help your child develop needed social, emotional, and physical skills.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

“More than just a chance to have fun, 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.” – The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive – HealthyChildren.org

 

Toddler Activity

Organize/attend a parent-supervised playdate with children similar in age to your child. Play some simple games together which might involve taking turns such as Duck, Duck Goose, Roll the Round Ball Down to Town, or Red Rover.

Baby Activity

Play peek-a-boo. This reinforces object permanence, the idea that something still exists even if you can see it. You’ll know your baby gets the idea if you hide a toy under a blanket and they go looking for it.

Books Presented

Book cover for Duddle Puck the Puddle Duck by Karma Wilson

Duddle Puck: The Puddle Duck by Karma Wilson

A very odd duck that refuses to quack shocks and flusters animals all over the farm with his clucking, honking, oinking, and neighing.
Book cover for Do Like a Duck Does! by Judy Hindley

Do Like the Duck Does! by Judy Hindley

 
By challenging a hairy stranger to imitate the behavior of herself and her ducklings, a mother duck proves that he is a fox and not a duck.
Book cover for Silly Suzy Goose by Petr Horáček

Silly Suzy Goose by Petr Horáček

Suzy longs to be different from all the other geese, but learns that imitating a lion may not be the best way to express her individuality.
Book cover for Tickle the Duck! by Ethan Long

Tickle the Duck! by Ethan Long

In this hilarious touch-and-feel book, a cranky duck dares children to tickle his soft stomach, his hairy armpit, his rubbery foot-and reacts uproariously each time. Despite his protests, does the duck really like being tickled after all? This modern day version of Pat the Bunny will have its audience laughing, and maybe even snorting, -Do it again!

Book cover for Five Little Ducks by Teri Weidner

Five Little Ducks by Teri Weidner

A duck with a feather on his back leads his siblings with a “quack, quack, quack.” End notes list the benefits of children’s poems and songs.
Book cover for Duck Duck Goose by Tad Hills

Duck, Duck, Goose by Tad Hills

Duck and Goose face a challenge to their friendship when an enthusiastic young duck moves into their neighborhood who wants to play–and win–all sorts of games.
Book cover for Five Little Ducks: Sing Along with Me! by Yu-Hsuan Huang

Five Little Ducks: Sing Along with Me! by Yu-Hsuan Huang

With chunky sliders to push and pull, readers can join in this children’s song about a family of ducks.
“Join a mother duck as she counts her five ducklings in this interactive board book based on the beloved children’s song. With five slider mechanisms. A QR code inside links to both instrumental and vocal versions of the song. Simply scan the code to listen and sing along-Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack!”
Book cover for Ollie's Hug by Olivier Dunrea

Ollie's Hug by Olivier Dunrea

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

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bouncy, Bouncy Baby

Bouncy, bouncy baby. Bouncy, bouncy baby
Up and down, up and down.
Bouncy, bouncy baby.
Hippity hop little one. hippity hop little one
Back and forth, back and forth.
Hippity hop, little one.
Bippity bop, baby.  Bippity bop, baby
Jiggity, joggity, jiggity, joggity
Bouncy, bouncy…BOOM!

Source: The Pawling Library

Run Little Ducks*

Run, little duck, run like a flash, (run in place)
Jump in the water with a splash, splash, splash! (clap three times)
Paddle your feet all around,
Waddle on home when you hear this sound!
Quack, quack, quack!

*Goose

Source: Toddle On Over by Robin Works Davis

Little Duck, Little Duck

Little duck, little duck,
Are you under the _______ truck?

Goosey Goosey Gander

Goosey goosey gander,
Where did you wander?
Upstairs? Downstairs?
Or in the _________ chair?

Five Little Ducks

Five little ducks
Went out to play
Over the hill and far away
When the Mother duck said
“Quack, quack, quack.”
Four little ducks came waddling back.

Four little ducks…
Three little ducks…
Two little ducks…
One little duck…
No little ducks came waddling back.

But when Daddy duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack!”
Five little ducks came waddling back.

Zip Zip Zip

(tune: Wheels on the Bus)
Zip, Zip, Zip, off it goes!
I see baby without clothes.
Zip, zip, zip, oh what do I see?
Diaper’s on in one, two, three!

Source: Games to Play with Babies by Jackie Silberg

Where is Baby?

Tune: Frere Jacques
Where is baby?  Where is baby?
(Hold scarf  in front of your face.)
There he is!  There he is!
(Remove scarf  quickly.)
I’m so glad to see you.
I’m so glad to see you.
Peek-a-boo!
Peek-a-boo!

Peek a boo, peek a boo

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, peek a boo

Source: Jbrary

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

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...