On the Same Page: A Good Long Walk

On the Same Page: A Good Long Walk

On the Same Page: A Good Long Walk

A Good Long Walk

Logs due by noon, Monday, February 22

As all Austen readers know, her characters are champion walkers. Whatever the novel, the heroine will at some point go on a good, long walk. Persuasion is no exception as all the younger folk at Uppercross head over the hills to stretch their legs. We’re going to take the outing a bit further and take the major journeys of the novel on foot as well. You can decide how much you’re willing to take on and which direction you’d like to go. Feel like some time by the sea? It’s 17 miles to Lyme Regis. Spend your month there if you’d like. Do you prefer the society of Bath? That’s a little longer journey at 47 miles. Enjoy the concerts and parties! If you’re really just wanting to walk and then walk some more, you could walk to Lyme Regis and from there to Bath for a total of 77 miles. Don’t worry, you can send for a carriage at any time.

It doesn’t matter which destination you select. Anyone turning their log in before noon on Monday, February 22, will be entered into a drawing for a volume containing all of Jane Austen’s works.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR LOG

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

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Try this cardboard square construction challenge!

Things you will need include:

  • about 15 squares of cardboard (we did 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
  • scissors

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Story Time: Fashion!

Story Time: Fashion!

Story Time: Fashion!

Lights! Camera! It’s fashion! This week we learned that “F” is for fashion, and “fashion” can help you express how you are feeling, where you want to go, and what is good for the weather outside.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Dress-up play allows anyone to dream, hope, and use their imagination. It gives kids permission to pretend to be someone or something different and extraordinary that reflects their personality and current interests and promotes more independence by allowing kids to practice self-care skills.”

- Thegeniusofplay.org

Activity

Gather a bunch of clothes and have a dress-up fashion show. Talk about what each clothing item is used for, what weather would be good in which to wear it, and where you might go in each outfit. You can also take some old clothes and “remake” them into something new!

Books Presented

Bling Blaine: Throw Glitter, Not Shade by Rob Sanders

Blaine loves to shine… well, actually, he loves to sparkle. Blaine’s all about the bling, just like Sue’s all about orange, and Alberto is all about high-tops. But when Blaine’s bling rubs some people the wrong way, he begins to lose his shine — and so does his entire school. Can Blaine’s friends work together as allies and convince everyone to throw glitter, not shade?

The Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants by Erik Litwin

Hazel Nut wants to sing and dance, but Mama, Papa, and Wally Nut are too busy, so Hazel calls in a special family member to get everyone moving.

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

Love grows between two ducklings as they bill and coo around the farmyard.

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Despite the advice of others in her family, Ellah Sarah persists in wearing the striking and unusual outfit of her own choosing.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants

I’m Going to Take a Sweater

(Tune: Jolly Good Fellow)

I’m going to take a sweater, a sweater, a sweater
I’m going to take a sweater when I go out today
When I go out today, when I go out today
I’m going to take a sweater when I go out today
(Additional: Umbrella, hat, raincoat, etc.)

– Storytimekatie.com

Old Shoes, New Shoes

Action Rhyme: “Old Shoes, New Shoes”
Old shoes, new shoes,
(Child) is wearing (description) shoes
One, two, three four,
Now I stomp them on the floor!
– Storytimekatie.com

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page activity!

Pick up these fashion story time kits today.

Additional Books

Shoe-la-la! by Karen Beaumont

Four girls go in search of the perfect pair of party shoes.

Crafts for Styling Your Wardrobe by Susannah Blake

A variety of crafts for kids to make their clothes their own. Includes upcycling old clothes and basic sewing stitches.

Along Came Coco by Eva Byrne

In a time when children were meant to be seen and not heard, along came Coco, a small French orphan with an eye for style, a talent for sewing, and a big imagination. An exploration of Coco’s early life and a celebration of her creativity, Along Came Coco shows the ways in which Coco Chanel’s imaginative spirit led her to grow into one of the world’s most beloved fashion icons.

Sadie and the Silver Shoes by Jane Godwin

Family members try various ways to cheer up their grouchy bulldog.

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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...

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It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

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When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

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Book Babies: Happy n’ Sad, Mad n’ Glad

Book Babies: Happy n’ Sad, Mad n’ Glad

Book Babies: Happy n’ Sad, Mad n’ Glad

Are you happy? Sad? Glad? Or mad? From the moment they are born, babies and toddlers love looking at faces to see how you are feeling. It helps them to organize their own thoughts and emotions. So have fun with these activities and books with your child as you explore different emotions!

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

Ages 2-5

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

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

Hello Everybody

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

S, T, R, W, P

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

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Teaching your toddler how to express their emotions will take time and patience. The most effective way to teach toddlers how to express their feelings will be in the natural setting of your day-to-day activities. Learn to incorporate feeling words into your vocabulary. Frequently label your child’s feelings. Read books about feelings. Watch shows about emotions. Before you know it, your children will have developed skills to effectively express how they feel!

- www.anxioustoddlers.com

Activity

You can a play a “Guess my Feeling” game with your toddler. You can both take turns making facial expressions and you each have to guess what feeling is being shown. This helps on two levels. One, it helps your children match up your facial expressions to your various emotions. Two, it helps them match up their own facial expressions to an emotion as well. Play the game near a mirror, where your children can visually see their various expressions.

- www.anxioustoddlers.com

Books Presented

Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer

Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can’t shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over.

Baby Faces by Margaret Miller

Presents color photographs of the various facial expressions of infants.

Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton

Clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings.

Mad, Mad, Mad by Leslie Patricelli

Baby is MAD. Very, very mad. What will make the mad go away?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

If You’re Happy and You Know it

If you are happy, and you know it clap your hands
If you are happy, and you know it clap your hands
If you are happy, and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you are happy, and you know it clap your hands.

Now replace happy with different emotions:

Mad – cross your arms.
Frustrated – stomp your feet.
Excited – jump up and down.
Sad – make a frown
Scared – hide your face.

– Notimeforflashcards.com

 

Bouncing Bouncing Baby on My Knee

A Big Sea Star

Signing

Sensory Activity

“Apple”

“Banana”

“Strawberry”

“Friend”

“More”

Additional Books

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

Children express different moods, including “I feel very mad,” “I feel like reading books all day,” and “I feel like wearing funny underwear.”

The Little Book of Big Ideas by Suzanne Francis

Four concept-based story retellings in one wonderfully chunky package!

I'm Feeling Sad by Natalie Shaw

When Daniel Tiger feels sad, he remembers that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. Little by little, he’ll feel better again! What helps you when you’re feeling sad?

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! by Mo Willems

Do pigeons have feelings? Is a hot dog yummy?

More Book Babies

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...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

Story Time: Feelings

Story Time: Feelings

Story Time: Feelings

This week in Storytime, we learned that “F” is for feelings. Sometimes children have a difficult time expressing or understanding their feelings. When you help them attach a color to a feeling, it helps them understand and how to deal with their emotions. Thankfully there are a lot children’s books to help. Try some of the titles below, or go to the online catalog and do a subject search for, “emotions juvenile fiction,” where you will find many, many stories about feelings.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Helping your child put words to feelings develops vocabulary in a meaningful way. You can talk not only about your child’s feelings, but also about yours as well. Children can understand the words long before they can say them.

- Lambert

Activity

Ask your children to listen for words related to feelings as you read “Grumpy Gloria” by Anna Dewdney or other books with words that pertain to feelings. Then talk about how those feelings might be translated into a color.

- Lambert

Books Presented

I'm Feeling Macaroni and Cheese by Tina Gallo

What kind of day are you having? Are you feeling Razzmatazz excited? Or Tickle Me Pink silly? Or maybe you’re feeling brave–like Wild Blue Yonder! When was the last time you felt a little Macaroni and Cheese? Learn how to express your feelings through colors.

Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda

Monsters of different colors explain what makes them feel glad, sad, loving, worried, silly, and angry. Fold-out masks encourage readers to talk about their feelings.

I Love You! A Bushel and a Peck by Frank Loesser

Love grows between two ducklings as they bill and coo around the farmyard.

Weasel is Worried by Giara Gavin

When Weasel is caught in a storm, he builds a fortress to hide in. But then he meets Mole, who loves to play in the wind and splash in the rain. Wait to see if Weasel learns to overcome his fears and find joy, whatever the weather.

Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright

On Groundhog’s Day, the townspeople try to entice the groundhog to leave his den, but the furry character refuses as it is warm and cozy inside.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Signing Song: Old McDonald Felt So Glad

(to tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”)
Old MacDonald felt so glad (Happy)
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
And when he’s glad we sign it like this:
Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy
With a Happy Happy here and a Happy Happy there
Here a Happy, there a Happy everywhere a Happy Happy
Old MacDonald felt so glad.
Happy Happy

Repeat this, substituting the following emotions and signs:
Grumpy = Grumpy
Sad = Sad
Silly = Silly

– Jeninthelibrary.com

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page activity!

Learn how to make colorful pasta necklaces.

Additional Books

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear’s animal friends come to his rescue when he becomes lost and frightened in the woods.

A Little Book About Feelings by Abbie Schiller

From the award-winning Ruby’s Studio: the Feelings Show. Learn about feelings and how to express them.

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas

One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through color. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result.

Grumpy Gloria by Anna Dewdney

Family members try various ways to cheer up their grouchy bulldog.

More Story Times

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: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Story Time: Pandas!

Story Time: Pandas!

Story Time: Pandas!

Today we learned about pandas with Peter Panda! Check out our books, songs, and activities below.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Be sure to share factual books with your young children. Follow their interests, whether in a particular animal, in how things work, in trains, or in anything else that piques their curiosity. The information in nonfiction books introduces new vocabulary words, and we learn right along with our children. Supporting their curiosity goes a long way in encouraging a love of learning. Many children who are less interested in stories are very interested in particular topics- trains, dinosaurs, various animals, how things work, and so forth.

- Lambert

Activity

Check out a variety of junior non-fiction books on different topics. Place them in front of your child to see what he is interested in. Then read the book together, look at the pictures, and talk about the new things you learned.

Books Presented

The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood

A narrator’s story is disrupted by the main character (Panda) who refuses to play the part.

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrations and rhyming text present ten different endangered animals.

Giant Pandas by AnnMarie Anderson

A new reader about cuddly, adorable pandas: what do they eat? What are their habitats like? What does it mean when we say pandas are an endangered species?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Giant Panda Cam at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page!

Make your own panda heart craft!

Additional Books

Xander's Panda Party by Linda Sue Park

Xander’s plan to host a panda party falls through, since he is the only panda at the zoo, but when he extends the invitation to all of the bears, complications ensue. Includes author’s note on the wonders of the animal kingdom and the international effort to save pandas from extinction.

How Many Baby Pandas? by Sandra Markle

Looks at the eight panda pairs that were born at China’s Wolong Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center in 2005, examining how they live, grow, and play and the steps that are being taken to prepare them for their release into the wild.

More Story Times

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: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Kid and Tween STEAM crafts in February

Kid and Tween STEAM crafts in February

Kid and Tween STEAM crafts in February

Check out our February kid and tween STEAM Take N’ Go kits below. Each will be available through curbside pickup. Instructions will be available on our website and our YouTube channel.

Cardboard Construction craft – available starting February 9th

Make towers with these simple cardboard building pieces.

 

STEAM magic craft – available starting February 23rd

Are these experiments science or magic? Try them for yourself!

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

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

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

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

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

Book Babies: Food

Book Babies: Food

Book Babies: Food

Enjoy these food-themed books, songs, and activities!

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

Ages 2-5

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

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

Hello Everybody

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

S, T, R, W, P

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

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Teaching and practicing baby sign language can be fun and give you and your child an opportunity to bond. Limited research suggests that baby sign language might give a typically developing child a way to communicate several months earlier than those who only use vocal communication.

- Mayoclinic.org

Activity

Read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or another book about fruit with baby. Point out the various kinds of fruit and model the ASL sign for baby. Then do the Yummy Fruit Salad rhyme (below) with them.

Books Presented

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Follows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food, until, full at last, he forms a coccoon around himself and goes to sleep.

Can You Guess? Food with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Look for the colorful foods in this guessing-game board book featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Pat-a-Cake by Annie Kubler

A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text.

Pat-a-Cake by Mary Brigid Barrett

If you can pat a cake, why not a kiwi or a peach? How about a fuzzy caterpillar crawling on your knee? Join in as this well-known rhyme is expanded into a tactile exploration of a toddler’s world.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Yummy Fruit Salad

(Melody of “Baa, baa Black Sheep”)
Yum, yum fruit salad, (Rub belly.)
Can I have some more? (Use sign language for “more.”)
Apples, (Use sign language for “apple.”)
Bananas, (Use sign language for “banana.”)
And strawberries, galore! (Use sign language for “strawberry.”)

Throw it in a bowl, (Put arms in a circle in front of body.)
Mix it up good, (Spin around in place.)
Give some to your friends, (Use sign language for “friend .”)
Then eat it all up! (Use sign language for “eat .”)

Yum, yum fruit salad, (Rub belly.)
Can I have some more? (Use sign language for “more.”)
Apples, (Use sign language for “apple.”)
Bananas, (Use sign language for “banana.”)
And strawberries, galore! (Use sign language for “strawberry.”)

 

– Adapted from Artsy Toddler Storytimes by Carol Garnett Hopkins

Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake, as fast as you can;
Pat it, prick it, and mark it with B,
Put it in the oven for baby and me.

– Poetryfoundation.org

Five Little Apples

Five little apples
Hung in a tree
The farmer wasn’t looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A caterpillar! Munch munch munch!

Four little apples
Hung in a tree
The farmer wasn’t looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A horse! Munch munch munch!

Three little apples
Hung in a tree
The farmer wasn’t looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A pig! Munch munch munch!

Two little apples
Hung in a tree
The farmer wasn’t looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A bird! Munch munch munch!
One little apple
Hung in a tree
The farmer wasn’t looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A scarecrow! Munch munch munch!

Now the tree is bare
There are no more apples there
But when next fall comes around
Guess who’ll be there!
The caterpillar
The horse
The pig
The bird
And the scarecrow!

– Storytimekatie.com

Acka Backa Soda Cracker

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

-Jbrary

Signing

Sensory Activity

“Apple”

“Banana”

“Strawberry”

“Friend”

“More”

More Book Babies

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...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

Story Time: Pizza!

Story Time: Pizza!

Story Time: Pizza!

We explored Pizza Pie Cafe this week and learned more about this tasty dish.

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

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Naming and categorizing things can be fun for children of all ages. Help children make sense of their world by grouping things that go together, such as knives, forks, and spoons at a table.

- Lambert

Activity

Recite the rhyme, “Ladies, Knives, and Forks” and do the following fingerplay. Repeat the rhyme a few times, so that everyone will feel comfortable saying the words and doing the motions. As you begin to say the rhyme, put your hands together knuckle to knuckle.

Here are my lady’s knives and forks. (Open hands and show fingers)
Here is my lady’s table. (Turn hands over and show knuckles)
Here is my lady’s looking glass. (Face knuckles toward you)
And here is the baby’s cradle. (Sway hands back and forth)

- adapted from Lambert

Books Presented

Every Night is Pizza Night by J. Kenji López-Alt

Convinced that pizza is the best food, Pipo will eat nothing else until her fed-up parents send her on a quest to prove that no dishes in their multicultural neighborhood are better.

So You Want to Grow a Pizza? by Bridget Hess

When a young boy wants to grow his own pizza, he learns where the different ingredients come from and how they grow.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Pizza Man

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, pizza man (clap hands)

Make me a pizza as fast as you can (shake finger)

Roll it (roll)

Toss it (pretend to toss in air)

Sprinkle it with cheese (sprinkling motions)

Put it in the oven (pushing motion)

And bake it fast, please!

Action Song: If You Wanna Eat Some Pizza

If you want to eat some pizza, clap your hands!

If you want to eat some pizza, clap your hands!

If you like bubbly cheese then just say, “Pizza please!”

If you want to eat some pizza, clap your hands!

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page and add your favorite pizza toppings!

Try this pizza math activity!

Additional Books

Pizza-Pie Snowman by Valeri Gorbachev

Running through town to get a pizza for himself and his mother, Pinky unwittingly becomes covered in snow; now everyone thinks he is a walking snowman!

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig

When Pete feels miserable because rain makes it impossible to play ball outdoors, his father finds a fun indoor game to play with his son.

Pizza by Frank Asch

After trying pizza for the very first time, everything Baby Bear sees reminds him of the tasty treat and he decides never to eat anything else.

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig

When Pete feels miserable because rain makes it impossible to play ball outdoors, his father finds a fun indoor game to play with his son.

More Story Times

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: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

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