Storytime: SNOW

Storytime: SNOW

Snow has joined us at the library! Find fun books and activities centered around “S”NOW

Join us Monday, 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

Grownups, we know that making predictions about a book really helps children understand what they read. Comprehension is important because without it, kids don’t stay motivated to keep reading for very long. So ask your children a question or two about the book before you start reading. Talking with your child will help them get ready to read!

http://melissa.depperfamily.net/blog/baby-storytime-winter-snow/

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice beginning sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home, on a walk, or at the grocery store. Choose words with distinctive, easy-to-hear beginning sounds. For example, if you’re in the bathroom you can say, “I spy something red that starts with the “s” ssss sound (soap).”

Books Presented

One Snowy Morning by Kevin Tseng

A squirrel and a chipmunk spot an odd assortment of objects stuck into a big pile of snow and set out to discover how each can be used.

It's So Quite: A Not-Quite-Going-to-Bed Book by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Little Mouse cannot sleep because it is too quiet, but when he really listens he finds the night is full of all sorts of sounds–so many, in fact, that it is too noisy to sleep.

Snow by Valerie Bodden

A simple exploration of snow, examining how these ice flakes of precipitation develop, the ways in which snow can be used and enjoyed, and the problems snow can cause.

Now Now, Cow by Tammi Sauer

The farm animals are ready when the seasons change–except for Cow, who’s always wearing the wrong outfit.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

It’s Wintertime, You Know

It’s wintertime, you know;
We will have some snow!
We might see a snowman then,
It’s wintertime, you know.

Five Little Snowmen

Five little snowmen standing in a row,
Standing straight and tall in the deep, cold snow.
Out came the sun, shining bright and hot all day,
And one little snowman melted away.
Repeat with 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0

Boots and Parka, Scarf and Hat

Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat
Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat
In wintertime we dress like that!
Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat!

Crafts and Activities

Color the unique snowflakes!

Make your own snowflake

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Snake

Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that dates of Lunar New Year will change each year with the moons, phases, and it is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, festivals, red envelopes filled with...

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...

Storytime: S is for Simon Says

Let’s play a game! Not only are they fun, but games help children develop vital skills like problem solving, creativity, and memory. They can also boost physical health, develop social skills, and increase a child’s overall sense of well-being. Here are some indoor...

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

DECEMBER Activities

DECEMBER Activities

DECEMBER Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCIL

Meet with other teens to plan and decide on library activities. 

Wednesday, December 1st
from 4-5:30pm in the Community Room. For ages 12-18.

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

SNOW MUCH FUN: CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Santa is coming to the library! Celebrate the upcoming holidays by coming to the library to make crafts, have delicious treats, and meet Santa. 

Monday December 6th from 5-7pm. Santa will begin visits at 4:30pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For all ages.

 

COMBINED BOOK CLUB FOR TWEENS

Books for Boys and the Mother Daughter Book Club will be combined for the month of December. The book is The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements.From Goodreads:

For Hart Evans, being the most popular kid in sixth grade has its advantages. Kids look up to him, and all the teachers let him get away with anything — all the teachers except the chorus director, Mr. Meinert. When Hart’s errant rubber band hits Mr. Meinert on the neck during chorus practice, it’s the last straw for the chorus director, who’s just learned he’s about to lose his job due to budget cuts. So he tells the class they can produce the big holiday concert on their own. Or not. It’s all up to them. And who gets elected to run the show? The popular Mr. Hart Evans.

Hart soon discovers there’s a big difference between popularity and leadership, and to his surprise, discovers something else as well — it’s really important to him that this be the best holiday concert ever, and even more important, that it not be the last.

Meet on Thursday December 9th at 6:30pm in the Community Room. 

Pick up your book club copy at the Front Circulation Desk. While supplies last.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHTS 


Every Tuesday
the library shows a Family Friendly Film at 4pm in the Community Room.

DECEMBER 7TH: Classic TV Christmas – How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman
DECEMBER 14TH: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older. 

 

GAME AND CHESS CLUB

Come learn the game of chess, plus other fun games!

Every Monday from 4:30-5:30pm in the Community Room.

For the month of December, Game and Chess Club will be meeting on the 13th and 20th only.

For ages 9-18.

 

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS

We will be closed December 24 – 27th for the Christmas holiday. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

CLOSED FOR NEW YEARS

The library will be closed December 31st – January 1st for the New Year holiday. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. We can’t wait to see you in 2022!

 

IDAHO TEEN READING CHALLENGE

8 Books · 7 months · 1 state

Teens are challenged to read 8 books in these categories:

• Graphic novel
• Friend recommendation
• #ownvoices book
• Free choice (pick any book you want)
• Book that keeps you up at night
• Classic
• Memoir/biography
• a Re-Read

The challenge will run from October to April. Once completed, head to the link below to fill out the form to enter in a drawing; there will be 3 $100 gift cards up for grabs.

ALL type of books qualify: audiobooks, eBooks, graphic novels, instructional manuals, etc.

February Programs for Adults

Old School Poetry This 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 your soulmate, a dear friend, or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission...

January Programs for Adults

Crafty Corner🌟 NEW at the Library! 🌟 Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up for adults 18+ who love to create! Bring your knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, or whatever craft you enjoy, and spend an evening with fellow makers. It starts on January 2nd at...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

November Programs for Adults

Free Family Friendly Films Looking for a fun movie afternoon on the big screen? Join us for Free Family Friendly Films on Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room! We’ve got new releases and beloved classics lined up: Nov. 1: The Garfield Movie (PG) Nov....

October Programs for Adults

Creative Writing Club Join the Creative Writing Club! Calling all storytelling enthusiasts ages 18+! Meet us in the Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays, October 2nd and 16th. Share your writing, make new friends, and discuss your favorite work and the passion...

September 2024 Adult Programs

Creative Writing ClubJoin the Creative Writing Club! Calling all storytelling enthusiasts ages 18+! Meet us in the Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays, September 4th, September 18th, October 2nd, and October 16th. Share your writing, make new friends, and discuss...

July 2024 Activities for Adults

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

June 2024 Adult Activities

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

Cooking the Books – Baking Yesteryear

Adult Makers Try Cooking the Books: Baking YesteryearOur Adult Makers had an extra sweet April activity that was a blast from the past! Cooking the Books follows a recent online trend of "Cookbook Clubs" that brings together chefs and readers alike. Our library...

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

Storytime: Mail

Storytime: Mail

Storytime: Mail

“M” is for mail! Take a moment and talk about the mail with your child. How do you mail a letter or a package? Where does it go after you put it in the mailbox? Who delivers the letter? Then have fun writing and mailing a letter to a relative or friend. Some of the books, videos, and activities will help your child discover the magic in mail!

Join us Monday, 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

Songs that focus on body parts and their actions increase children’s awareness of how different parts of the body can start specific movements. By using their muscles to make the motions in a song, children can develop both their gross motor skills and body self-awareness.

Lambert

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice beginning sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home, on a walk, or at the grocery store. Choose words with distinctive, easy-to-hear beginning sounds. For example, if you’re in the bathroom you can say, “I spy something red that starts with the “s” ssss sound (soap).”

Books Presented

It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton

 Liam really wants some mail, so he writes a letter to his mailbox asking for something in return. His mailbox delivers, sending Liam more than he could have hoped for … and how! But as the mail starts to pile up, Liam realizes that the best packages and parcels are even better when shared with friends.

Delivering Your Mail: A Book About Mail Carriers by Ann Owen

An introduction to the important job of mail carriers. Through fun illustrations and easy-to-read text, this nonfiction picture book describes what a mail carrier is, how their mail truck works, and how the mail must get delivered no matter what the situation. This read-aloud will give young citizens a glimpse into the lives of these valuable workers and how their careers make  communities a better place to live.

 

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

Arfy is a hound on a mission! Bound and determined to find a home, Arfy writes letters to everyone on Butternut Street. Honestly, he’s the best dog you could ever want. He’s obedient! He’s housebroken! He even has his own squeaky bone! Who will adopt Arfy in the end? You’ll never guess!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Early in the Morning

Early in the morning
At eight o’clock
You can hear the postman knock
Up jumps Ella to answer the door
1 Letter, 2 Letters, 3 Letters, 4.

Oh, Have You Seen…

Tune of “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”

Oh, have you seen the letter M
The letter M, the letter M
Oh, have you seen the letter M?
It makes the sound muh-muh-muh

Oh, yes I’ve seen the letter M
The letter M, the letter M
Oh, yes I’ve seen the letter M
It makes the sound muh-muh-muh

Activity: Give your child the letter ‘M;’ have them hold it up when you say words that start with ‘M’ and keep it down for words that do NOT start with ‘M.’

Mailing Letters

Tune of “The Mulberry Bush”

(Write a letter, stamp a letter, mail a letter)
This is the way we mail a letter,
Mail a letter, mail a letter.
This is the way we mail a letter,
So early in the morning.

Lovely Letters in the Mail

Tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

Oh, I got a lovely letter in the mail (clap, clap)
Oh, I got a lovely letter in the mail (clap, clap)
Getting mail is so much fun
Let’s see who sent this one
Oh, this lovely little letter in the mail. (clap, clap)

Crafts and Activities

The puppy found some Mail!

Get ready to deliver some mail with this cute hat!

Additional Books

The Lost Package by Richard Ho

A tour of the busy work that takes place at post offices is depicted through the journey of a lost package that receives a little help reaching its destination, proving that distance cannot keep loved ones apart.

Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell

 In 1914, because her family cannot afford a train ticket to her grandmother’s town, May gets mailed and rides the mail car on the train to see her grandmother.

The House in the Mail by Tom and Rosemary Wells

In 1927, Emily describes the ordering, arrival, and assembly of a mail-order house for her growing family.

From Here to There by Sue Fliess

Here and There are so similar they’re practically twins. But they could never play together because Here is always here and There is always there, so they become pen pals and write to each other all the time. One day, There gets an idea that could change the distance between them forever.

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Snake

Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that dates of Lunar New Year will change each year with the moons, phases, and it is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, festivals, red envelopes filled with...

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...

Storytime: S is for Simon Says

Let’s play a game! Not only are they fun, but games help children develop vital skills like problem solving, creativity, and memory. They can also boost physical health, develop social skills, and increase a child’s overall sense of well-being. Here are some indoor...

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Moose

Storytime: Moose

Storytime: Moose

Did you know that moose are one of the most mischievous characters in the animal kingdom, their front legs are longer than their back legs, and they LOVE to swim? Discover more things about this large deer with these books and activities.

Join us Monday, 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

Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice beginning sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home, on a walk, or at the grocery store. Choose words with distinctive, easy-to-hear beginning sounds. For example, if you’re in the bathroom you can say, “I spy something red that starts with the “s” ssss sound (soap).”

Books Presented

If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff

Chaos can ensue if you give a moose a muffin and start him on a cycle of urgent requests.

Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root

Do you really, really want to see a moose — a long-leggy moose — a branchy-antler, dinner-diving, bulgy-nose moose? This hunt for an elusive moose through woods, swamps, bushes, and hills is just as fun as the final surprise discovery of moose en masse. 

 

Duck Duck Moose by Mary Sullivan

Goose is gone and a young girl pleads with her friends, two ducks and moose, for help in finding their missing pal. The foursome ride through the farm on the tractor while other animals, like the horse and sheep, point them in the right direction. A gold key hung high in a tree appears to be an important clue to goose’s disappearance, but after several humorous attempts to retrieve it, the ducks and moose land in the mud and return home without Goose. Sorrowfully, it’s time for bath and bed. The next day everyone rejoices to find that Goose has returned, refreshed and happy after a vacation.

This is a Whoopsie by Andrew Cangelose

This is supposed to be a book about all the different things moose can do, like leaping and jumping and being really tall. But maybe Whoopsie isn’t the right moose for the job. You might want to pick a different moose for this book. Maybe instead we can do a book about falling down a lot? Yeah! Whoopsie would be great at that.This hilarious book about a clumsy moose shows that sometimes being a little different can make one great story.

 

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Mr. Moose

Mr. Moose is very tall (put hands to head for antlers)
His antlers touch the sky (hand high up in the air)
They make a real good resting place (put hands out to sides)
For birdies passing by (flap arms like wings)

Five Big Muffins

Five big muffins on the window sill;
A moose came along and ate his fill.
Now how many muffins on the window sill?

Four big muffins……
(repeat until all are gone)

No more muffins on the window sill!

Two Tall Moose

Two tall moose standing on a hill,
One named Jack, one named Jill.
Run away Jack, run away Jill,
Come back Jack, come back Jill.

Crafts and Activities

M is for Moose

A simple moose hat from tracing hands and circles!

Additional Books

Moose by Aaron Carr

Animals in My Backyard introduces beginning readers to some of the many animals they might find in their backyard. Cougars, moose, owls, and other animals covered in the series have adapted to life near people. Each book looks at one animal and describes features that allow the animal to survive. With easytoread text, vibrant photos, and interesting facts, Animals in My Backyard teaches young readers about backyard animals as they learn to read.

Duck Duck Moose by Dave Horowitz

With no prospect of any friends around for the winter, Moose decides to travel south with Duck and Other Duck.

Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown

Hanukkah in Alaska is unlike anywhere else. Snow piles up over the windows. Daylight is only five hours long. And one girl finds a moose camped out in her backyard, right near her favorite blue swing. She tries everything to lure it away: apples, carrots, even cookies. But it just keeps eating more tree! It’s not until the last night of Hanukkah that a familiar Jewish holiday tradition provides the perfect-and surprising-solution.

Moosey Moose by Chris Raschka

Moosey Moose is mad. Moosey Moose is throwing a tantrum! Why? Well, he wants his pants, of course. And not his short pants—his long pants! 

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Snake

Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that dates of Lunar New Year will change each year with the moons, phases, and it is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, festivals, red envelopes filled with...

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...

Storytime: S is for Simon Says

Let’s play a game! Not only are they fun, but games help children develop vital skills like problem solving, creativity, and memory. They can also boost physical health, develop social skills, and increase a child’s overall sense of well-being. Here are some indoor...

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Mystery

Storytime: Mystery

Storytime: Mystery

In November, we will learn about the letter, “M”! Of course, we might have a mystery to solve, too. So, look at the clues in these stories and activities, and see if you can solve a mystery.

Join us Monday, 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

Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice beginning sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home, on a walk, or at the grocery store. Choose words with distinctive, easy-to-hear beginning sounds. For example, if you’re in the bathroom you can say, “I spy something red that starts with the “s” ssss sound (soap).”

Books Presented

Cows Go Boo! by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers

Who's Hiding? by Agnes Baruzzi

Kids will love discovering what animal is hiding behind the fold out flap on each spread of this beautiful book! Rhyming text gives the reader clues about which animal it could be, and the fold outs reveal the surprise. The animals included are rabbits, deer, frogs, ladybugs, birds, and lizards.

 

Peek in My Pocket by David A. Carter

With each turn of the page, animals give clues to the hidden surprises in their pockets with hints that include shapes and colors. Kids will love guessing the secret and lifting the flaps to find the answers. The fun, rhyming text is just right for toddlers, and the final surprise–a new friend to play with–makes a perfect peekaboo partner.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Crafts and Activities

Pumpkin seek and find!

Make magnifying glasses out of various shapes with your mini sleuth!

Additional Books

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg

Annie searches the neighborhood for her red mitten, the fifth she’s lost this winter.

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.

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg

Annie searches the neighborhood for her red mitten, the fifth she’s lost this winter.

The Bubble Mystery

Toot-Toot likes swimming in a bubbly pond… but why are there so many bubbles?

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Snake

Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that dates of Lunar New Year will change each year with the moons, phases, and it is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, festivals, red envelopes filled with...

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...

Storytime: S is for Simon Says

Let’s play a game! Not only are they fun, but games help children develop vital skills like problem solving, creativity, and memory. They can also boost physical health, develop social skills, and increase a child’s overall sense of well-being. Here are some indoor...

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

Turkeys, I spy, and learning how to sign, “thank you,” are the things our babies and toddlers are learning this month. Try the activity with your toddler from BusyToddler.com for a fun alternative to screen time. And have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!

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
Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice forming sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home. Find a book with animals, vehicles, or objects that make noises. Then, with Baby, say, “I spy something that goes… moo!” Help your child point to the cow on the page and say, “What is that? It’s a cow and it goes… moo!” Repeat with other objects in the book.

Sensory Activity

Golf Tee Push: Fine Motor Skills Activity — Here is an easy-to-assemble activity that not only helps your child develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and spatial awareness, but also gives you a bit of free time. All the only thing you need are golf tees and a box! Thanks to the creators of BusyToddler.com, you can find this and other sensory building activities HERE

Books Presented

Cows Go Boo by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.

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.

Find Spot by Stacey Previn

Encourages young readers to find the hidden spots in a book filled with peek-through die-cut holes.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

The antics of ten fat turkeys on a fence illustrate counting from ten to one.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Based on the classic song about the old woman who swallowed a fly, this retelling with a twist features an old lady attending a Thanksgiving dinner who swallows a pie, then a whole squash, all of the salad, and then an entire turkey. In the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

Over in the Meadow: a Traditional Counting Rhyme by Louise Voce

From one little turtle to ten little foxes playing in the meadow, the beloved nursery song introduces young children to numbers and counting.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Turkeys

Two little turkeys sitting on a hill
One named Jack, the other named Jill
Run away Jack, run away Jill
Come back Jack, come back Jill
(cloud/quiet & loud, pole/fast & slow, sky/low & high)

If You’re Thankful and You Know It

If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
(stomp your feet, shout “hooray”, do all three)

The Farmer’s Field

Tune of “All Around the Mulberry Bush”

All around the farmer’s fields,
We picked some blueberries
We brought them home and washed them off,
Pop! Go the berries! (jump up on “pop”)

… yellow bananas
… red ripe apples
… green beans
… orange pumpkins

Baby Sign Language

Baby Needs a Diaper Change

Tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”

Baby needs a diaper change
Diaper change,
Diaper change
Baby needs a diaper change
Please and thank you!

Here are the Sign language signs:
Baby: (rock arms in cradle back and forth)
Diaper: (pinch fingers like clothes pins next to face)
Change: (wring hands in a fist )
Please: (rub chest)
Thank you: (hand to chin and out)

Additional Books

I Spy with My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

Thanksgiving Parade by Melanie Matthews

March along with the Thanksgiving parade.

Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

More Book Babies

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

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

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

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

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

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

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

NOVEMBER Kid + Tween Activities

NOVEMBER Kid + Tween Activities

NOVEMBER Kid + Tween Activities

 FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHTS ARE BACK!

Madison Library District is bringing FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHT back!

Every Tuesday @ 4pm in the Community Room.

SCHEDULE:
November 2nd: The Lego Movie
November 9th: Paw Patrol: The Movie
November 16th: Paddington
November 23rd: Finding Nemo
November 30th: The Peanuts Movie

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.

 

 

FAMILY READ EVENING

The Idaho Family Reading Week will be November 8-14. The theme is BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE! because anything is possible when reading is in your life. 

Celebrate with a night of storytelling, prizes, crafts, and all around fun. 

Monday November 8th from 6:30-7:30pm. For all ages.

 

 

 

COMBINED TWEEN BOOK CLUBS

Books for Boys and Mother Daughter Book Club will be combined for the month of November. 

The book will be The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. From Goodreads:

“A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, one thing’s for sure: Sam Westing may be dead … but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!”

Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm in the Community Room. The Adult Book Club will be joining at the end for some fun activities.

 

 

 

KID + TWEEN STEAM KITS

For ages 6-11. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.
Pick up at the Front Circulation Desk.

November 1st: Pom-Pom Popper
November 15th: Pigpen Cipher

 

 

 

 

GAME AND CHESS CLUB

Every Monday in the Community Room, 4:30-5:30pm.

Learn the art of Chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided.

For ages 9-18.

 

VETERAN’S DAY CLOSURE

The library will be closed Thursday, November 11th, in honor of Veteran’s Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. 

Thank you.

 

 

 

THANKSGIVING CLOSURE

The library will be closing EARLY on November 24th at 5pm

We will be closed November 25-27th for the Thanksgiving holiday. No items are due and the book drop will remain open.

Thank you.

 

 

 

 STORYTIME – LIVE IN COMMUNITY ROOM

STORYTIME – New day added!
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays at 10:30am
Tuesdays at 6:30pm

TODDLER TIME –time change 
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30am

BOOK BABIES – time change
Wednesdays at 9:30am

Take n’ Go Kits will be available during Storytime. Any extras will be distributed at the end of the week at the Children’s Reference Desk.

 

 

 

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

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

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

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

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

Storytime: Halloween!

Storytime: Halloween!

Storytime: Halloween!

BOO!
There will be a special STORY TIME TRICK-OR-TREAT on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH. Come dressed up for fun Halloween stories and trick-or-treating! Choose one time: 10:30 · 11:30 · 12:30. 

Join us Monday, 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, Zoom, Zoom Zoom, helps children count down from five to a lift-off at zero, while the anticipation of counting makes this rhyme a great skill-builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place.

- Lambert

Activity

Have fun with, “Halloween Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “BOO!” For toddlers and older children, squat down with them in a tight ball and jump up for “BOO!”

Books Presented

Monsters Come Out Tonight! by Frederick Glasser

Trick-or-treat! Open the doors to find monsters getting ready for a night of Halloween fun. All of the monsters are getting ready for the big Halloween bash in this rhyming board book. Lift the flaps to reveal Dracula brushing his fangs, witches combing their hair, and more silly surprises! Quirky illustrations hold plenty of details that will be sure to tickle readers’ funny bones and get them in the Halloween spirit.

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills

A haunted Halloween bus ride that will have children singing with excitement. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus is a humorous Halloween-themed version of the classic song “The Wheels on the Bus”…with a few ghoulish tricks and treats up its sleeves! Count from One Spooky Bus up to Ten Goofy Ghosts as this Halloween ride races through town picking up a few unsuspecting passengers along the way.

 

The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman

Witches, werewolves, and other creatures celebrate Halloween in an illustrated rhyme that can be sung to the tune of “The Ants Go Marching.”

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Lift the flaps and listen to Mr. Friendly Ghost, a big-eyed owl, and other Halloween noises in this light-activated sound book

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht

One of the most loved Halloween traditions is visiting a pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect pumpkin! Once you bring your pumpkin home, invite your friends and family to form a carving crew and help you turn that perfect pumpkin into–a grinning, glowing jack-o’-lantern! With vibrant, joyful art and a rhythmic, read-aloud text filled with the spirit of community and the thrills of the season, here is a celebration of every fun-filled step in creating the perfect jack-o’-lantern on Halloween night!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Cut-a-Story: The Little Orange House

Need orange construction paper + scissors

Once upon a time a very small witch was walking in the woods. The cold wind was blowing the dry leaves all around her. The little witch was frantically searching for a house for the winter. She could not find one. Suddenly a piece of orange paper blown by the wind landed at her feet.
(make the paper fly through the air to your feet as you are telling the story)

She picked it up. The little witch looked closely at the paper and then she said, “I shall make myself a house from this piece of orange paper.” She folded the paper in half
(fold the paper)
and took her scissors (she always has a pair in her pocket) and cut off the two corners to make a roof
(cut the two corners at the top of the paper… not at the fold line)

“This will do just fine” she said as she looked at her new house. “But I will need a door.” She always wears pointed hats so she cut a special door that looked just like this
(a few inches in – cut a rectangle with a half triangle at the top for the hat)

The little witch walked through the door and into the little orange house. It was very dark inside. She quickly hurried back out. “I will need to make windows to let in the light,” said the little witch. She cut a front and a back window that looked just like this
(cut a rectangle in the middle of the paper)

Oh, it was a fine looking house. Her very own little house with a roof, a door, and windows was all finished. But just as the little witch started to go inside for the winter, she saw a tiny ghost floating down the windswept path. As the tiny ghost came to a stop near the little house, the little witch saw that she was crying.

“Why are you crying?” asked the little witch.

The tiny ghost stopped crying and answered. “It is cold and windy. It is getting dark. And I have no place to spend the winter.”

“You may spend the winter with me in my new house,” said the kind little witch.

“Oh thank you,” said the happy tiny ghost as she peeked through the window. “This is a very nice house.”

“First”, said the little witch, “I will need to make you a little door of your very own. She took her scissors again and began to cut. She cut a very tiny door. It looked like this.
(cut the tiny door as a triangle shape in the fold between the other door and window).

The two happy new friends went inside. The tiny ghost went in the very little door. The little witch went through her own special door. All winter long they lived happily together inside the little orange house.

If you want to see the inside of their house, unfold the paper. 
Found on Typically Simple blog

 

 

Crafts and Activities

Happy Halloween coloring!

Practice hand-eye coordination with a bat lacing craft!

Bonus craft: Make a monster out of a paper plate

Additional Books

Zombies Don't Eat Veggies! by Megan and Jorge Lacera

Although Mo’s parents insist he eat zombie cuisine, Mo craves vegetables and strives to get them to taste recipes made from his hidden garden. Includes recipes.

Teeny Tiny Halloween Tale

A tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who’s happy to hug — a snake! 

More Story Times

Storytime: S is for Snake

Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that dates of Lunar New Year will change each year with the moons, phases, and it is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, festivals, red envelopes filled with...

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...

Storytime: S is for Simon Says

Let’s play a game! Not only are they fun, but games help children develop vital skills like problem solving, creativity, and memory. They can also boost physical health, develop social skills, and increase a child’s overall sense of well-being. Here are some indoor...

Storytime: S is for Sharks

Did you know that sharks have been around for over 400 million years? They are older than the dinosaurs! They can lose more that 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, and their babies are called pups. A group of sharks is called a shiver, and a person is more likely to die...

Storytime: S is for Soup

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

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Storytime: G is for Geese

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

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

In October, we walked with animals, flew in a spaceship, and cooked French fries and pumpkins in a pan with hot oil! Try out some more activities this month with your baby or toddler from the suggestions below.

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
When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement.

- Lambert

Activity

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Ball Tunnel: Try this fun activity from Research Parent. Place an empty wrapping paper or connected paper towel tubes on an incline such as a chair and roll small balls down the tunnel. Talk about “up” and “down” with your child. Not only are they learning cause and effect, the beginnings of potential and kinetic energy, but it’s also so much fun!!

Books Presented

If You're a Robot and You Know It by David A Carter

Happy robots stomp their feet, jump and beep, and shout Hooray, in a take on the classic lyrics to “Happy and you know it.”

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Everybody sing along—because it’s time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! 

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.

Snappy Little Farmyard by Dugald Steer

A day on the farm has never been quite so much fun — or quite so noisy — thanks to this mooing, baaing, neighing menagerie of pop-up surprises. And what better way to learn than with this happy, snappy pop-up! 

Where is Baby's Pumpkin? by Karen Katz

An adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute-as-a-button bats, and candy apples are found beneath each flap. Finally after Baby finds her pumpkin, she’s ready to go trick-or-treating and the final flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza!

Spooky Spooky Little Bat

Join the Halloween fun in this spooky rhyming twist on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Follow the little bat as it flies above town and makes new friends. This fun board book for tots features beautiful illustrations and a plush bat finger puppet with wings.

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Peek-a… BOO! We’re going to a spooky castle to celebrate Halloween in this fun storybook! Let’s sneak through the pumpkin patch together without being seen.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Clippity Clop

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…
Yeehaw! Ride-um, cowboy!

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I was walking to town one day
I met a (animal name) along the way
And what do you think that (animal name) did say?
(make animal noise)

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
Just climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 0 – Lift OFF !!!

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortnin’ Bread”

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3. (repeat)

Leg to the left, leg to the right, wiggle and jiggle and pull ‘em up tight.

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3.

Repeat with other articles of clothing (socks or tights, shoes, etc.)

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

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

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

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

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

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

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

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

Pin It on Pinterest