Storytime: Horses

Storytime: Horses

Storytime: Horses

Clippity-clop, clippity-clop! Whoa… STOP! Children love everything about horses: they way they run, eat, and when they talk to each other. Find out a little more about these appealing creatures 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

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

Pick some simple activities your child can do that will fill an entire day. After they do the activity, even if they fail, encourage them with clapping, hugs, and positive reinforcement. Then, at bed time, talk about the things they accomplished that day.

Books Presented

Clip-Clop! by Nicola Smee

After Mr. Horse asks his friends if they want to go for a ride, Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck try to hang on as they urge Mr. Horse to go faster and faster.

Horseplay! by Karma Wilson

A farmer tries to change the behavior of his rowdy horses who play all night and sleep all day.

 

Horses by Aaron Carr

Describes the life cycle and behavior of horses, and how they are raised on a farm.

Horse and Buggy Paint it Out by Ethan Long

When an effort to paint a mural results in knocked-over paint cans and spattering brushes, Horse reluctantly accepts help from Buggy.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

If Your Horse is the Color Blue

Tune to “This Old Man”

If your horse is the color blue,
Gallop it upon your shoe!
If you have a blue horse,
From McDonald’s farm
Come and put it in the barn.

yellow – gallop it upon your elbow
green – gallop it upon your knee
purple – gallop it in a great big circle
red – gallop it upon your head

I Gave My Horse an Apple

I gave my horse an apple,
And she gave me a neigh.
I gave my horse a carrot,
And she moved her head this way.
I gave my horse a sugar cube,
And she gave me a smile.
And then she took me for a ride,
For more than half a mile.

Clippity-clop, clippity-clop, clippity clop, clop, clop!
Clippity-clop, clippity-clop, clippity clop, clop, clop!
Clippity-clop, clippity-clop, clippity clop, clop, clop!
Whoa, STOP!

Crafts and Activities

A horse mare with her colt coloring page

Make a horse from a paper bag!

Additional Books

Splish-Splash by Nicola Smee

Mr. Horse invites all the barnyard animals onto his little boat, and soon he, Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck are riding though big waves, and come crashing down with a big splash.

A Cowgirl and Her Horse by Jean Ekman Adams

A young cowgirl demonstrates her unique way of caring for her horse, from feeding him hay sandwiches to helping him pick out new shoes.

Blaze and Thunderbolt by CW Anderson

Billy and his loyal pony Blaze attempt to tame the wild horse Thunderbolt.

The Fly-Away Horse

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! 

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Storytime: G is for Geese

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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: Hugs!

Storytime: Hugs!

Storytime: Hugs!

“You never forget the first time you hug your child. Holding them in your arms and feeling the warmth of their body is a wonderful experience. There’s nothing like it! But did you know there are scientific benefits besides feeling all warm and fuzzy? It’s true.” To discover the science behind hugging and some great activities, click here.

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

Using books and stories to help children think of their own solutions to problems helps them develop develop problem solving skills. Researchers have found that having ideas for tackling problems helps children in learning new tasks and handling social situations.

Activity

Find a book that revolves around a problem-solving situation to read with your child such as Karma Wilson’s, “Bear’s New Friend.” Introduce the book by setting up the problem. Then, when you approach the problem, ask your child what she might do to solve the situation. You can also read through the whole book and go back to the problem.

Books Presented

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

The hug machine is available to hug anyone, any time, whether they are square or long, spiky or soft.

Hug by Jez Alborough

Bobo the chimp seeks hugs among various jungle animals and their young, but he does not get what he wants until he is reunited with his own parent.

 

Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It) by Carrie Finison

Doug doesn’t like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn’t like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn’t like birthday hugs. He’d much rather give a high five—or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don’t. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There’s only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Looking for a Hug!

I’m looking for something warm and snug,
You open your arms and give a great big _______________!
Bug?
Rug?
Slug?
Mug?
Doug?
(Pull out each goofy answer from the magic hat until you give the right one! (a great big HUG).

I Can Hug

I can hug, hug, hug
I can hop, hop, hop
I can kiss, kiss, kiss
I can stop, stop, stop
I can nod my head for yes,
And I can shake my head no,
And I can sit down very slow.

I Have a Little Heart

I have a little heart (place hand over heart])
It goes thump, thump, thump (pat chest 3X)
It beats even faster when I jump, jump, jump (jump 3X)
I get a special feeling when I look at you (point to eyes, then audience)
It makes me want to give you a hug or two! (Hug yourself)

Crafts and Activities

Tigger and Winnie the Pooh love hugs!

A hugging craft ♥

Additional Books

One Hug by Katrina Moore

 A young boy discovers many different kinds of hugs and ways to show love as family members and friends gather to welcome his immigrant relatives from China.

If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend! by Eric Litwin

Set to the rhythm of the classic children’s song, Groovy Joe invites the reader to laugh, sing, explore, and best of all, hug a friend.

Hug? by Charlene Chua

How many hugs is too many? This girl’s had enough! This humorous picture book explores compassion and the importance of setting boundaries. After coughing up a hairball, a girl’s cat doesn’t feel well. So the girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes the cat — and the girl — feel better. More and more animals ask for hugs… How much more of this can she take? The story shows how important hugs can be to our happiness — even the most unlikely of creatures sometimes need one! — but that doesn’t mean they’re always welcome.

I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey

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! 

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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...

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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

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Storytime: Hats

Storytime: Hats

Storytime: Hats

Let’s learn about the letter “H”! There’s hopping, horses, happy, hands, and… HATS! Hats are not only great for pretend play, they also have a purpose such as protection, like a bicycle helmet, or shade, like a sun visor. Some people wear hats for their job like a police officer or a construction worker. Others wear hats for fashion! So, grab some hats with your child and have fun pretending and learning about the part of clothing that’s totally on top!

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

When you read a book with your child, running your finger under the printed words helps her to know that it is the text you are reading, not the pictures. Did you know that without our guidance, 4- year- old children will give 95 percent of their visual attention to the pictures?

- Lambert

Activity

Read “Hats are Not for Cats” by Jacqueline Rayner or another book with your child, and run your finger under the title as you read the words. If the book has a repeated phrase, run your finger under those words as well. Encourage your child to say the repeated phrase while pointing at each word as he says it. Then encourage him to point at the words.

Books Presented

Finders Keepers by Keiko Kasza

When a squirrel uses his red hat to mark the spot where he buried an acorn, he sets off a chain of events involving other creatures, each of which finds an unusual use for the chapeau.

Hats Are Not For Cats by Jacqueline K Rayner

A patronizing, plaid-hat-wearing dog informs a cat that hats are only for dogs but the cat, joined by others, dons a wide assortment of hats proving, at last, that hats are for everyone.

 

This is Not My Hate by Jon Klassen

A little fish thinks he can get away with stealing a hat.

Do You Believe in Unicorns? by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Is that a horse wearing a hat, or is it a unicorn in disguise? It all depends on how you look at it in this charming story about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

 

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Silly Hat Song
Tune to “This Old Man”

On my head, I wear my hat.
It is such a silly hat
That my head will wiggle waggle to and fro
Where else can my silly hat go?

These Are Grandma’s Glasses

These are Grandma’s glasses
This is Grandma’s hat
This is the way she folds her hands
And lays them in her lap
Here are Grandpa’s glasses
And here is Grandpa’s hat
And here’s the way he folds his arms
And takes a little nap

Crafts and Activities

Make a fun hat!

Additional Books

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

Two turtles find a hat that looks good on both of them, but, with fairness in mind, they decide to leave it be, until night falls and one of the turtles changes its mind.

I Had a Favorite Hat by Boni Ashburn

At the end of summer, a girl’s mother wants to put away her favorite beach hat but the girl asks to keep it out, then decorates it for each holiday and season from autumn through spring.

Hats Off to You! by Karen Beaumont

Emily, Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Claire are busy trying on different hats, uncertain which ones to wear to the street fair.

Whose Hat is This? by Sharon Katz Cooper

Put on your thinking cap and guess whose hat is whose. There are hard hats and soft hats, square hats and round hats. There are even very tall hats. Some workers wear special hats to help them do their jobs. Can you guess whose hat is whose? Learn all about the different hats worn by construction workers, police officers, firefighters, and more.

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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

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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: Tiger Tales

Storytime: Tiger Tales

Storytime: Tiger Tales

“The wonderful thing about Tiggers… Is Tiggers are wonderful things!” Of course they are! Especially TIGERS. This week in Story Time we learned that tigers have patterns in their fur, live on the other side of the world in Asia, and and have very large paws. Try reading some of these books and singing the rhymes together. Then, in the words of the adorable Tigger, you and your child can, “Consider yourself pounced!”

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Have your preschooler tell you the story. By age 5, children can sit still for longer books and can create their own stories based on the pictures.

Activity

After reading a book with your preschooler, ask him to tell you the basic plot of the book or make up stories based on what he sees on each page. You can also pretend play the story and act it out with one another.

Books Presented

Tigers by Kate Riggs

A kindergarten-level introduction to tigers, covering their growth process, behaviors, the habitats they call home, and such defining physical features as their striped fur.

Who is the Beast? by Keith Baker

 A tiger is confused by jungle animals fleeing from a beast until he discovers he is the beast they are fleeing from.

 

Oh No! by Candace Fleming

 A series of animals falls into a deep hole, only to be saved at last by a very large rescuer.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Are you bored with being so proper? Do you want to have more fun? Mr. Tiger knows exactly how you feel. So he decides to go wild. But does he go too far? Bored with city life and the proper behavior it requires, Mr. Tiger has a wild idea that leads him to discover his true nature. From Caldecott Honor artist Peter Brown comes a story that shows there’s a time and place for everything…even going wild.

 

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Little Tigers

Five little tigers out for a stroll
One tripped on a rock and started to… ROLL.
She bounced down a hill and landed with a flop.
How many tigers are left walking through the swamp?
(count down until there are no more tigers)

The Jungle Song
Tune to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.
When he growls, sharp teeth I see.
He’s as scary as can be!
Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.

The Tiger
Tune to “Frere Jacques”

Orange and black, great big cat
(hold hands wide to side)
Four big paws (hold up hands)
Long sharp and claws (curve fingers like claws)
Through the jungle running (pretend to run)
Do you see her coming? (shade eyes)
What a sight! Will she bite? (clap hands)

I’m a Little Tiger
Tune to “I’m a Little Teapot”

I’m a little tiger in the jungle.
Here are my stripes.
Here is my tail.
When I get excited you will see
Just how loud that I can growl.

Crafts and Activities

Tiger Coloring Page

Paper plate tiger craft!

Additional Books

A Tiger Like Me by Michael Engler

A little boy—um, no, a tiger!—tells us all about what he gets up to on an ordinary day: how he wakes up in his tiger den, what he eats for breakfast at his feeding spot, and how little tigers feel when they are wide awake, hungry, thirsty, or in the mood for adventures. But at night, even the wildest of tigers is happy to curl up in bed with Tiger-Mom and Tiger-Dad and become a cuddly little tiger cub.

I Am a Tiger by Karl Newson

Despite the evidence, Mouse insists that he is a tiger–or maybe a crocodile.

Tiger Cubs by Ruth Owen

Young readers will learn about what some people consider to be the most beautiful wild cats in the worldSiberian tigers. Born in the bitter cold of Siberia in a safe hideaway of tall bushes or rocks, the cute little cubs of this species are well cared for by their mothers. They cuddle, lick, and nurse their babies and keep them safe. Through gorgeous pictures and simple text, readers will see how the babies learn all about hunting and living on their own in this coming-of-age introduction to tiger cubs.

Under My Bed

There’s a tiger under the bed! Luckily Mum knows just what to do…

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: Trains

Storytime: Trains

Storytime: Trains

Chugg chugg! Choo, choo! Off we go! Hop aboard a terrific train with these books, songs, and activities.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

When your children have happy experiences, they want to repeat them. Starting kindergarten can seem as an extension of informal library classes. Children who have had joyful experiences in the public library often approach school with a positive attitude, ready and excited to learn.

- Lambert

Activity

After attending Storytime at the library, talk with your child about the things she thought was fun. Perhaps it was the yarn railroad track we walked around in the back of the room, or maybe it was Cody’s train noises. Then do some of the rhymes and songs that were presented.

Books Presented

Terrific Trains by Tony Mitton

Rhyming text introduces a variety of trains as they leave a station, rush along the tracks, and arrive at the platform where travelers are waiting.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Although she is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Brief text and illustrations trace the journey of a colorful train as it goes through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles.

Steam Train Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker

In this book with rhyming text, the dream train pulls into the station and all the different cars are loaded by the animal workers, each with the appropriate cargo.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Flannel Board: Down by the Station

Down by the station early in the morning
See the little puffer trains all in a row
See the engine driver turn the little handle
Puff puff, chuff chuff, off we go!
(remove one train, and count)

The Wheels on the Train
Tune to “Wheels on the Bus”

The wheels on the train go clackety clack
Clackety clack, clackety clack
The wheels on the train, go clackety clack
All along the track.

More verses:
The whistle… goes whoo, whoo, whoo
The conductor… says, “All Aboard”
The people … go bumpety, bump

Engine on the Track

Here is the engine on the track. (thumb)
Here is the coal car just in back. (pointer finger)
Here in the boxcar to carry freight. (middle finger)
Here is the mailcar. Don’t be late! (ring finger)
Way back here at the end of the train (pinky finger)
Rides the caboose through the sun and rain.

This is a Choo Choo Train

This is a choo-choo train, (bend arms at elbows)
Puffing down the track. (rotate forearms in rhythm)
Now it’s going forward, (push arms forward, continue rotating motion)
Now it’s going back. (pull arms back, continue rotating motion)
Now the bell is ringing, (pull bell cord with closed fist)
Now the whistle blows. (hold fist near mouth and blow)
What a lot of noise it makes, (cover ears with hands)
Everywhere it goes! (stretch out arms)

 

Crafts and Activities

Learn shape and build a fun train!

Additional Books

I'm Fast by Kate and Jim McMullan

Meet one hard workin’ freight train. He’s got to get to Chicago on time and nothing is going to stop him. Mountains? Not a chance! Cows? Out of his way, ladies! He’s going to get there—and fast!

The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet

Tired of being last on the smoky, noisy freight train, Katy Caboose wishes for some way to escape the endless track.

Choo-Choo School by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

No racing in the haul-ways! A look at seven adorable train cars on their first day of school. All aboard the train-car pool! A new lineup of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules — Work hard, play fair, be kind — it’s time for some math to get the wheels turning. Then everyone’s ready to climb a hill in gym (it’s good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off-key), and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. In one of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s last books, lighthearted verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as the teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life.

Terrific Trains by Dennis R Shealy

Few travel by trains today, but kids regardless are fascinated by the freight train, passenger trains, the conductor, and even the caboose. Terrific Trains will mix both illustrations and photographs to bring the railroad to life!

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: Tools

Storytime: Tools

Storytime: Tools

“T” is for tools! Explore the world of tools and construction with your child using these books and activities. You can also talk with your child about what a tool is… an object that that is used, especially in your hand, to do or make something. Then try making something together with a tool.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Singing to your children is very important, and it doesn’t matter if you sing in English or another language. In one scientific study, babies as young as one week could distinguish their mother’s voice from a group of other female voices. Children love being sung to by their parents, and such singing helps to trigger their speech development and continues on with early literacy phonetic awareness. So, sing aloud to your children at home in any language you like.

- Lambert

Activity

Create a “Favorites” or core nursery song list to sing with your child every day, then you can add other songs that match with books you like to read together.

Books Presented

I Love Tools! by Philemon Sturges

Tools can cut things apart . . . . . . or put them back together again. You can use tools to make almost anything! From the clamps that hold down the wood for the very first cut through the paintbrush that adds the finishing touches, this book is full of useful tools! Young readers will love watching a busy family saw, hammer, and chisel as they work together to create a new home for their friend the bluebird.

Old MacDonald had a Woodshop by Lisa Shulman

Together with the other farm animals, Old MacDonald is building a surprise for the babies on the farm. Saw, drill, chisel, file, screwdriver, and paintbrush are operated by cat, goat, chicken, pig, cow, and dog. With a zztt zztt here and a tap tap there, there’s a miniature toy farm being made—just for the baby animals. For any preschooler who likes tools and making things, Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop is sure to be a hit! E-I-E-I-O!

 

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Little Nails

Five little nails, standing straight and steady (hold up 5 fingers)
Here I come with my hammer ready! (make fist with other hand)
Bam, bam, bam! (tap fist to 1 finger)
That nail goes down (lower 1 finger)
Now there’s just four nails left to pound

(count down)

I’m a Builder
Tune to “Frere Jacques”

I’m a builder, I’m a builder.
Watch me pound, hear my sound.
Tap, a tap, a tap, tap. (tap fists)
Tap, a tap, a tap, tap.
Hear me pound, hear me pound!

Johnny Works With One Hammer

Johnny works with one hammer, one hammer, one hammer (tap fist to leg)
Johnny works with one hammer, then he works with two
Johnny works with two hammers…. (tap both fists to legs)
Johnny works with three hammers… (tap both fists to legs and stomp one foot)
Johnny works with four hammers… (tap both fists to legs and stomp both feet)
Johnny works with five hammers… (tap both fists to legs, stomp both feet and nod head)
And then he goes to sleep (snore)

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Build a tool set with your little ones!

Additional Books

Drew the Screw by Mattia Cerato

The saw cuts, the hammer hits, and the drill makes holes; so Drew needs a job too.

Tools Rule by Aaron Meshon

In a messy yard, a team of tools gets organized, then spends a busy day building a shed.

Workshop by Andrew Clements

The dazzling cut-paper artistry of Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski combines with Andrew Clements’s free-verse celebration of woodworking tools to tell the story of a surprise in the making. The evocative description of each workshop tool-ruler, axe, saw, hammer, and the rest-is accompanied by a vivid, dramatically composed illustration showing how it is used in the step-by-step construction of an ornate, old-fashioned carousel. An eager young apprentice assists one craftsman after another as the project takes shape and is rewarded with a toolbox of his won. Young wood-working enthusiasts will enjoy the affectionate and knowledgeable portraits of familiar tools as well as an acclaimed artist’s vision of the magic simple tools can do.

Big Enough to Help, a Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Book

 Dad Tiger is building a playhouse. Daniel wants to help, but he’s not big enough to use the grown-up tools yet. Daniel learns that there are lots of other things he can do to help. Everyone is big enough to do something. Little ones will love reading the story and then measuring how big they’re growing with the pull-out growth chart inside.

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...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Construction Site

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Construction Site

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Construction Site

Having fun and learning in the construction zone!

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

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:45am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

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

Hello Everybody

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

S, T, R, W, P

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

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip: Singing to your children is very important, and it doesn’t matter if you sing in English or another language. In one scientific study, babies as young as one week could distinguish their mother’s voice from a group of other female voices. Children love being sung to by their parents, and such singing helps to trigger their speech development. So, sing aloud to your children at home in any language you like.

- Lambert

Activity

Create a “Favorites” or core nursery song list to sing with your child every day, then you can add other songs that match with books you like to read together.

Books Presented

Construction by Sally Sutton

Hoist the wood. Hoist the wood. Chain and hook and strap. Swing it round, then lower it down. Thonk! Clonk! Clap! Build the frame. Build the frame. Hammer all day long. Make the stairs and floors and walls. Bing! Bang! Bong!

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they’ll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play!

I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan

A busy backhoe loader describes all the items it hauls off a lot and all the fun it has getting dirty while doing so.

Five Trucks by Brian Floca

Five different trucks do five different jobs to get an airplane ready for takeoff.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bumpity Bumpity Goes the Dump Truck

Bumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
Bumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
bBumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
Dump out the load.

Dump Truck

Dump truck, dump truck
Bumping down the road,
bounce baby on lap
Spilling gravel with our heavy load!
rock baby back & forth on lap
Dump truck, dump truck
Bumping down the road,
bounce baby on lap
Spilling gravel,
rock baby back & forth on lap
And now it’s time to DUMP!
tip baby backward, or lift in air

Scoop and Dump

Tune to “Skip to My Lou”

Scoop! Goes ditch digger in the dirt.
(Bend low, raise arms high)
Scoop! Goes ditch digger in the dirt.
Scoop! Goes ditch digger in the dirt.
Scoop up all the dirt!
Reach up high with the crane.
(Cup hands, hold high)
Reach up high with the crane.
Reach up high with the crane.
Hold the dirt up high!
Dump the dirt into the truck.
(Reach high, drop hands to knees)
Dump the dirt into the truck.
Dump the dirt into the truck.
Haul it all away!

Hello Bubbles

Hello bubbles, hello bubbles
come and land, come and land
right in the middle, right in the middle
of my hand, of my hand.
Goodbye bubbles, goodbye bubbles
time to go, time to go
I will help you, I will help you
with a blow, with a blow.

Rainbows in My Bubbles

Tune to “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain “

I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes I do.
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes I so.
When I blow up towards the sun,
They have rainbows, every one.
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes I do

Baby Sign Language

“More”

“All Done”

Additional Books

Vroom, Vroom, Trucks! by Karen Katz

 

In this book “little ones can lift the flaps at the construction site to reveal bulldozers, dump trucks, and more things that build!”

Construction: a Lift the Flap Book by Roger Priddy

There’s a lot of building going on in Playtown! There is so much to explore, learn, and discover inside this busy, busy book – diggers are digging holes, materials are being delivered, and roads are being laid. On every page there are fun flaps to lift which tell children more about the picture above, and at the back of the book is a big page to fold out that reveals a bustling construction scene

Roadword by Sally Sutton

Rhyming text and illustrations show how a road is made, from planning to moving dirt, laying asphalt, putting up signs, and landscaping.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres

Discover what bedtime looks like for the snowplows, dump trucks, giant cranes, and more that dot the pages of this irresistible construction story. Just like you and me, the vehicles in this story get tuckered out after a long day of hard work and need to quiet down and settle in for sweet dreams. Young readers will surely identify as these trucks ask for one more story while their parents sing them a goodnight song and send them off to bed

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...

SEPTEMBER Kid and Tween Activities

SEPTEMBER Kid and Tween Activities

SEPTEMBER Kid and 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:
September 7th: Raya and the Last Dragon
September 14th: Peter Rabbit
September 21st: Spirit: Untamed
September 28th: Luca

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

 

 

 TWEEN FALL KICKOFF FOR BOOK CLUBS

Books for Boys + Mother-Daughter Book Club will be meeting together to celebrate FALL! 

Come SEPTEMBER 9TH at 6:30pm to have fun crafts, treats, and activities. Meet in the Community Room

Ages 8-11 with accompanying adult.

 

 

 

 KID + TWEEN STEAM KITS

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

September 7th: Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow?
September 20th: Why Do Frogs Not Freeze?

 

 

 

STORYTIME – LIVE IN COMMUNITY ROOM

STORYTIME
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30am
Tuesdays at 6:30pm

TODDLER TIME:
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:45am

BOOK BABIES:
Wednesdays at 9:45am

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...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Bird Tails

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Bird Tails

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Bird Tails

Cheep, cheep! Tweet, tweet! Quack, quack! Oh, how babies love the sounds of our feathered friends. Help your child explore the world of birds with the following activities.

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

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Tuesday @ 9:45am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

 

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

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

Hello Everybody

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

S, T, R, W, P

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

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Did you know that “singing” a book instantly engages a child’s brain? Because music affects multiple regions of the brain, when a child is listening to a book being sung, both hemispheres are working. One side of the brain processes the words while the other processes the music.

Musically Minded

 

Activity

Find a “singing” book which has an accompanying fingerplay such as “Five Little Ducks.” Then “sing” the book and do the fingerplay with your child! Remember to model the finger movements for your child; never force them to do it.

Books Presented

Five Little Ducks

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.

This is a Book of Shapes by Kenneth Kraegel

First comes the circle. Then the square and the triangle. Then the . . . emu pushing a pancake wagon down a hill? What begins as a concept book about everyone’s geometric favorites soon defies expectations with a series of funny and imaginative twists.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Bluebirds

Two little bluebirds
(Hold up thumbs)
Sitting on a wall
One named Peter
The other named Paul
Fly away, Peter!
Fly away, Paul!

Bird in the Egg

Bird in the egg sits so still.
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!

There’s a Bird in the Air

There’s a bird in the air, in the air
There’s a bird in the air, in the air
There’s a bird in the air, now he’s flying in my hair

There’s a bird on my leg, on my leg
There’s a bird on my leg, on my leg
There’s a bird on my leg and he is pretty big

There’s a bird on my hand, on my hand
There’s a bird on my hand, on my hand
There’s a bird on my hand but now he is my friend

Scarf Song: Popcorn Kernels

Tune of Frere Jacques

Popcorn Kernels
(wave scarves overhead)
In the pot
(tell the kids to make their scarves ‘disappear’ by bunching them up in their fists)
Shake them shake them shake them
(shake)
’til they POP
(toss scarves up into the air)

Five Little Ducks

Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only four little ducks came back
1, 2, 3, 4

Four little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only three little ducks came back
1, 2, 3

Three little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only two little ducks came back
1, 2

Two little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only one little duck came back
1

One little duck went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But none of the five little ducks came back

Sad mother duck went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
And all of five little ducks came back

Five little ducks went out to play
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
And all of the five little ducks came back!

Five Little Birds

One, Two, Three, Four, Five.
Five little birds went flying one day,
Over the hills and far away.
When Mother bird said, “Tweet, tweet, tweet,”
Only four birds came to the tree.
One, Two, Three, Four.

Four little birds went flying one day
Over the hills and far away.
When Mother bird said, “Tweet, tweet, tweet,”
Only three birds came to the tree.
One, Two, Three.

Three little birds went flying one day
Over the hills and far away.
When Mother bird said, “Tweet, tweet, tweet,”
Only two birds came to the tree.
One, Two.

Two little birds went flying one day
Over the hills and far away.
When Mother bird said, “Tweet, tweet, tweet,”
Only one bird came to the tree.
One.

One little bird went flying one day
Over the hills and far away.
When Mother bird said, “Tweet, tweet, tweet,”
No little birds came to the tree.

Sad Mother bird went flying one day
Over the hills and far away.
When Papa bird said, “TWEET!”
All the birds came flying to the tree!

Additional Books

Ten Little Bluebirds by Emily Ford

A rhyming counting book that features ten bluebirds that disappear on each page as they decide to fly away to play.

Quick Duck by Mary Murphy

Over and under, around and down–where is he going in such a hurry?

My Nest is Best by PD Eastman

Mr. and Mrs. Bird search for a place to build a new nest only to discover their old one is better.

Small Bird's Big Adventure

Small Bird escapes his cage… and discovers a whole big world outside.

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...

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