Bookworm List: Summer!!!

glitter-graphics.com

Hello all!!

So this weeks marks the start of our Summer Reading Program, Every Hero has a Story ( and runs until August 1st). This week, it's all about summer!!! Is anyone heading to the beach or planning a big vacation? Or are just planning to relax and have some fun reading before school starts?

Well, about reading some books all about .... Summer!! Here are some recommendations-

• At the Boardwalk by Kelly R. Fineman
• The Night Before Summer Camp by Natasha Wing
• Sun Dance, Water Dance by Jonathon London
• A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever! by Marlee Frazee
• Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
• Totally Polar by Marty Crisp
• Happy Birthday, America by Mary Pope Osborne
• Beach Day by Karen Roosa
• Sand Castle by Brenda S. Yee
• Fun in the Sun by David Catrow

To close, I felt like posting a Beach Boy song ( especially since I used one for tonite's Family Storytime and tomorrow's storytime for ages 2 and 3 and ages 4 and 5. ) Here is " True to Your School". Enjoy!!

Bookworm List: A Month for Pumpkins and Spooky Nights

glitter-graphics.com

 
It's October, and it's my favorite time of year. Why? Because it's time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin coffee and monsters ( Muhahahha)! So of course, we have lots of books ( picture books, nonfiction, and chapter) celebrating autumn and Halloween on display in our ABC and READ boxes.

Here are some of the titles you might find on display-

• Real Mummies Don't Bleed: Friendly Tales for October Nights by Susan Whitcher

•  Halloween Good Night by Doug Cushman

• Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex 

• A Dark Dark Tale by Ruth Brown

•  Froggy's Halloween  by Johnathan London

•  Nuts- Paula Gerritsen

• Cake Girl by David Lucas

• It's Halloween, Dear Dragon by Margaret Hill

• Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper

• Cranberry Autumn by Wende and Harry Devlin

BTW, for those coming to Monday's Storytime for 2 and 3 yr olds, we will celebrating autumn in the forest ( That's Monday, October 6 at 10 am)

Happy Autumn! Happy Halloween! Keep Reading!

Bookworm List: Shark Week!!

A big thanks to all that took part in this Summer Reading Program. It was fun and there's more fun to come this fall. But now... it's Shark Week!!



glitter-graphics.com


Yes, we now have on display books about sharks, big and small, for Discovery Channel's week of sharks.  First held in July 1988, it was developed to raise shark awareness. ( For more info and list of shows, visit the official website.)

Did you know...

( courtesy of Sharks-Science for Kids)

• Sharks do not have a single bone in their bodies. Instead they have a skeleton made up of cartilage; the same type of tough, flexible tissue that makes up human ears and noses.

• Sharks have outstanding hearing. They can hear a fish thrashing in the water from as far as 500 metres away!

• A pup (baby shark) is born ready to take care of itself. The mother shark leaves the pup to fend for itself and the pup usually makes a fast get away before the mother tries to eat it!

• Great whites are the deadliest shark in the ocean. These powerful predators can race through the water at 30 km per hour.

• A shark always has a row of smaller teeth developing behind its front teeth. Eventually the smaller teeth move forward, like a conveyor belt, and the front teeth fall out.

Want to learn more? Here are some  shark books that on display:

• The World Strangest Sharks by Victor Gentle and Janet Perry
• Surprising Sharks by Nicola Davies
• A Shark Pup Grows Up by Pam Zollman
• Tough, Toothy Baby Sharks by Sandra Markle

Most of our nonfiction shark books are under the call number 597.3 For stories featuring sharks, search " Sharks-Juvenile Fiction" or " Sharks-Fiction".

Happy Shark Week! Keep Reading!!

Bookworm List: Come to the Fair!!

Summer is slowly approaching it's end. But before the shorts and flip flops are put away for pants and school shoes, there still some summer fun to be had... at the fair grounds!!. During the late summer and early fall months, states across the country will holding their state fairs for local farmers and other agricultural groups to show off their livestock and farm products. ( In fact, this Friday marks the start of two fairs: Lake County Fair in Crown Point ( August 1-10) and the Indiana State Fair (August 1-17) in Indianapolis.For more info, please click on link to their websites.)

For those wondering how and why states have state fairs, here's some info I picked up by way of Wikipedia ( click link to see full article). In short, they started in the 19th century for promoting state agriculture ( or farming) by way of livestock and farm product shows. Over the years, they have grown include carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. The first state fair happened in Syracuse, New York in 1841 ( and continues to run annually each year.)

We have a few books on state fairs on display in our ABC-123 box. Here are some of the titles:

• County Fair by Elisa Cooper
• Come to the Fair by Janet Lunn
• Barney goes to the Fair by Maureen Valvassori
•  Mystery at the Fair by Gertrude C. Warner
• Night at the Fair by Donald Crews

For more books about state fairs, try "Fairs-Juvenile Fiction", " Fairs-Juvenile Literature", or "Fairs-Fiction".

By the way...
This is the last week of the Summer Reading Program. We have one final movie tomorrow at noon (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2) and Starlab Portable Planetarium this Thursday at 2pm and 4 pm. The last day to turn in books is Saturday, August 2nd.


Happy Summer!! Keep Reading!!

Fizz Boom Read-All about the Sciences Bookworm List

This year's summer reading program theme, Fizz Boom Read!, is all about the sciences. We have programs featuring animals ( Dune National Lakeshore today at 1, Weird but Amazing Animals next Thursday at 4) and more. We had fun science experiments at our kickoff a few ago (and more to come July 10 at 4 pm). We even have science in our display case by the programming room ( featuring rocks and a telescope) and a minion named Curtis (yes, a minion, right at the Children's Desk).

Also on display are books from various areas of science ( we still have summer, now in the 123/ABC box). Some of the books  currently featured are:

• Can You Hitch a Ride on a Comet? by Sidney Rosen- Answers a variety of questions about comets including what they are, where they come from, and where they go.
• Forces Around Us by Sally Hewitt-  An introduction to  the concept of force as something that pushes or pulls and includes a discussion of such forces as gravity, wind, magnetism, weight, and water. 
•  Sun, Moon, and Stars by Stephanie Turnball- Simple introduction to space, including the sun, the moon, and the planets.
• Strange but True Animals by Lori Polydoros -Meet some unusual, like the blob fish and the aye-aye.
• Under the Ground by Daphne Butler- Exploring rocks and other things beyond the surface.
• Mystery of the Stone Circles by Paul Mason-Examines the phenomenon of stone circles and the various theories that exist to explain them. 
• Sea Clocks: The Story of Longitude by Louise Borden-Learn about John Harrison and the creation of sea clocks.
• The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems by John Gold- Examining the circulatory and lymphatic systems and how they work.

For more books of the sciences, most are located in the 500s ( 520s is space and 590s is animals) and 600s ( health and the body).

So come down to Children's and explore the world of science!!!

Bookworm List: Spring is... here?

It's the end of February, almost March. It's still cold and white ( and according to the weathermen, more to come for the next three weeks.) But here in the Children's Department, it's spring!!!

Yes, the books of winter and Valentine's Day have left the shelves to make room for shamrocks, flowers, and bunnies (Awwwwwwwwww!!) Here are some of the featured titles-

• Naomi Knows It's Springtime by Virgina Kroll- A blind girl experiences the first signs of spring through her senses.
• 999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura- Lots of little frogs wake up all the animals at the start of springtime.
• Paris in the Spring with Picasso by Jane Yolleck-  Join Picasso and other French artists of the 17th century as they gather for spring party at Gertrude Stein's house.
• Spring by Jill Kalz- Easy read book about the sights and sounds of spring.
• Spring Across America by Seymour Simon- Photographic book about the sights and wonders of spring across America.

Happy Spring! Keep Reading!



glitter-graphics.com

Bookworm List: Heart's a Flutter... in the Snow.

February starts this weekend, a month full of love and ... snow. ( Yes, more snow is on the way. Just think summer... and how hot it is unfortunate going to be.) So of course, on display are books about Valentine's Day and books about snow.

Here are some recommended Valentine's Day titles:

• The Valentine's Day Mix-Up by Laura Dower
• The Story of Valentine's Day by Clyde R. Bulla
• Valentine's Day by Alice Flanagan

Here are some recommended winter titles:

• Snowy Days by Trudi Truiet
• Hello Snow by Wendy Lewison
• The Snowy Day by Komako Sakai

February is also African-American History month, so we have a small display of fiction and non-fiction books centered on the people and culture of African-Americans. Here are some featured titles:

• George Crum and the Saratoga Chip by Gaylia Taylor
• Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, JR! by Elenora E. Tate
• Something Beautiful  by Sharon Wyeth

glitter-graphics.com

Happy February! Keep Reading!

Let's Go Visit the Transportation Neighborhood!

Beep-Beep! Vroom! Choo-Choo!

We hear these lovely sounds every day on the street, in the air, even on the water. What I am talking about? Transportation ( or in words  the little kids will understand, "Things That Go!") A favorite book to look up for little boys (and girls), most of our cars, planes, boats, and trains books can be found in our Transportation   Neighborhood.

Marked with a blue sticker on the spine, here are a few titles you will find in this area:

• Red Wagon by Renata Liwska
• I Fly by Anne Rockwell
• I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan
• Building by Elisa Cooper
• Sail Away by Donald Crews

This marks our last visit of the Neighborhoods. Hope you enjoyed the tour and will come check them out.



Come check out the Neighborhoods!

Let's Go Visit the Song and Rhyme Neighborhood!

One of type of book that is always asked about are the rhyming books. One person that we librarians recommend is Dr. Seuss but some people may not like Dr. Seuss ( or might consider his books a bit too long for wee ones.) One place that has a lot of books that rhyme ( or might be based off songs) is the Song and Rhyme Neighborhood.

Marked with a yellow sticker on the spine, here are a few titles featured in this Neighborhood:

• Where do the Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna C. Sayres
• Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
• A Wish For You by Matt Novak
• It's Raining, It's Pouring as told by Kin Eagle

 So the next time you are in the mood for a song or too, check out the Song and Rhyme Neighborhood.

Come check out the Neighborhoods!

Let's Go Visit the Popular Neighborhood!

Most of the time, kids will come to the library and ask " Do you have any Bob the Builder books? or " Do you have any books with Max and Ruby?" While some are very easy to locate ( all the Max and Ruby books are Rosemary Wells), other require a bit of a scavenger hunt ( Bob the Builder has about four or five different  authors). So that's where the Popular Neighborhood comes in.

Technically, we have two Popular shelves. One features the likes of Barbie/Disney Princesses, Dora, superheros/Stars Wars, Spongebob, Thomas the Tank Engine, Winne the Pooh, Sesame Street and fairies. The Neighborhood one features a mix of Bob the Builder, Backyardigans, princesses ( Disney and non-Disney), and some lesser known characters ( and have a purple sticker).

Here are some of the titles you find in this area-

• Johnny Tracker and the Big Surprise by Judy Katschke
• Ruby's Party by Rosemary Wells ( Note- We have cataloged as P RUBY)
• The Backyardigans and the Secret of Snow by Alison Inches
• Bob the Builder and Run-Away Roley by Alison Inches

For other characters, like My Little Pony or Care Bears, it's best to look it up in the catalog (or ask us) first to see if we have any on the shelf or at other branches.

So the next time you're looking for a popular cartoon character, check out the Popular Neighborhood!

 Come check out the Neighborhoods!

Let's Go Visit the Nature Neighborhood!

Don't you just love the snow? Or the sounds of the birds in the air? Or the flowers when they bloom in the spring? Would you like to read a story featuring nature's wonder and beauty? Check out the Nature   Neighborhood!

Labeled with a brown sticker on the spine, the Nature   Neighborhood features books on the seasons, weather, and animals of all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the titles featured in this collection:

• Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
• Babies on the Go  by Linda Ashman
• In a Nutshell by Joseph Anthony
• It's Winter by Linda Glaser
• Summer is Summer by Phillis and David Gershator

For nonfiction books, most are located in the 500's ( most of the animal books are 590s, although for farm animals, check the 630s'.)

To end our visit, here's a pretty winter video. Enjoy! And come check out a book from the Nature   Neighborhood.

Come check out the Neighborhoods!

Let's Go Visit the Concepts Neighborhood!

In preschool programs and daycare visits, one thing we try to always include in our story time is a concept idea, be it by way of a finger play, felt items, or a book. A concept is an idea or word (or ideas and words) a child will need to understand in order to perform in everyday life. So we may count by using Five Little Pumpkins, or sing the Alphabet song to learn letters, or do a book where we ask the kids to name a shape or a color.

We also hope that the parents will continue to teach their children the basics in counting, shapes, numbers, opposites, and ABC's at home. And the best way to do that is through a book. And the best place to start their search is... visiting the Concepts Neighborhood.

Labeled with a green sticker on the spine, the Concepts Neighborhoods features books of basics concepts, from counting to learning time.  Here are some of the titles you will find in this collection:

• Pigs will be Pigs by Amy Axelrod
• Monsters Love Color by Mike Austin
• Eye Spy Shapes by Debbie MacKinnon
• Chicka Chicka 123 by Bill Martin Jr. 
• Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

From experience, I've figured out that shapes, counting, and colors are the easiest to do ( especially at 10 am.) The alphabet is a bit tricky, so unless it is a story, it's easier to just focus on a few letters. I also like the DK My Very First Look at... books are also good to use because it gets the kids to interact (and you don't have to do all the items featured, unless some kid asks " Hey, you skip a page) and Marianne Berkes Over in the... series because it takes the familiar tune  of " Over in the Meadow" and places like  the forest or the ocean and features animals one would find in those places ( plus information in the back about each animal.)

So the next time you're look for a book with numbers, colors, or ABC's, visit the Concepts Neighborhood!

Come check out the Neighborhoods!

 

Let's Go Visit the Celebrations Neighborhood!

A few months ago, we introduced the Neighborhoods,a unique collection of books that are ready and easily labeled for patrons to check out ( and currently available at the Merrillville and Griffith Branch of the Lake County Public Library system.)  There are six Neighborhoods, each color-coded to what they are ( and listed as such in the catalog.)

Since we are in the mist of the holiday season, I felt that the first Neighborhood to visit  would be Celebrations. Labeled with a red sticker on the spine, they cover everything from major holidays ( like Christmas and Valentine's Day) and special events ( such as birthdays and the first day of school.) Obviously we have most of our Christmas books on display ( including a few  slowing creeping out of storage), but for those who would like to read Christmas all year round( or who want see more than what we have on  display ), the Celebrations Neighborhood is a good place to start.

Here are some of the titles you will find in  Celebrations:

• I've Seen Santa by David Bedford
• Deck the Halls by Norman Rockwell
• Our Eight Nights of Hanukkah by Michael Rosen
• Valentine's are For Saying I Love You by Margaret Sutherland
• Miss Mingo and the First Day of School by Jamie Harper

So the next time you're looking for Valentine's Day books or Easter books ( and  if we don't have them up for display), visit the Celebrations Neighborhood.

Come check out the Neighborhoods!

Rest in Peace, Barbara Park.

I was browsing our  library Facebook page to see if there was anything about Sunday's storm ( I just had some tree branches down) and saw that Barbara Park, author of the Junie B Jones series, passed away over the weekend at age 66. ( Please see this link for her obit).

I actually got into the series about 6 yrs ago when I started work here at the library ( this and Magic Tree House were constantly being asked about.) For those not familiar with who or what Junie B Jones is, it is a chapter book series for ages 8 and up, focusing on a 5-year old (  later 6-years-old in books 18-28) girl named Junie B Jones and her many adventures at home and school. Her first  book, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly School Bus, was published in 1992 and focused on the first  day of kindergarten. Over 28 books, Jones has dealt with a new baby sibling, cut her own hair, graduated kindergarten and entered first grade ( with glasses.)  Her last book, Turkeys We have Loved and Eaten ( and Other Thankful Stuff) came out last year, and takes places doing a Thanksgiving classroom decorating contest. ( And it is the one Jones book I have not read, may have to wait till December.) Kids loved and laughed at the antics of  the spunky, Ramona-like girl with catch phases  like "Wowie wow wow!" and " The "B" stands for Beatrice. Except, I don't like Beatrice.". Parents....not so much (in fact, she's number 71 on American Library Association's Top 100 Banned Books 2000-2009 due to her bratty attitude and poor grammar. I didn't have a problem. In fact, I really enjoyed Junie B Jones is Party Animal, Junie B Jones is A Beauty Shop Guy, and Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (PS So Does May).)

We have most of the Jones books on display, in the same area as Magic Tree House ( which, coincidentally, also came out in 1992 and is by the same publisher, Stepping Stones/Random House). Park also picture books and other chapter books including(check library catalog to see if and where the book(s) is)-

• Kid in the Red Jacket
• Mick Hart was Here
•  Skinnybones

Junie also has a website at http://juniebjones.com/

 Rest in Peace, Barbara Park.

Bookworm List: Leaves and Pumpkins and Monsters, Oh My!

Leaves and Pumpkins and Monsters, oh my! Fall must be here.

Yes, the books that celebrate autumn and Halloween are slowly creeping into the book display area ( still have some back to school books to check out). Time for wooly sweaters and pumpkin lattes, apples and monster masks.

Here are some recommended reads-

• Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert-A man made of leaves travels the autumn landscape. Made on die-cut pages, this is a great book for preschool reads.
• I Know It's Autumn by Elieen Spinelli- A rhyming celebration of all the things the autumn season brings, from acorn puppets, hay rides, and more.
• Nuts by Paula Gerritsen- A young mouse braves an autumn storm to collect nuts for the winter.
• Sara Squirrel and The Lost Acorn by Julie Skyes- When Sara goes to look for acorns, her friends want her to bring back stuff, too.
• Leap Jumpers by Carole Gerber-Illustrations and  rhyming text describe different leaves and which trees they come from. Includes information about why leaves change color in the fall. 
• Bear's Trick or Treat by Janelle Cherrington- Bear gives Pip and Pop a special Halloween treat--fish- and clam-shaped chocolates. The otters then decide to trick Bear into loading up their bags with candy. Will their master plan actually work?
• Click, Clack, Boo! by Doreen Cronin-  Farmer Brown does not like Halloween, but the animals hold a Halloween party in his barn. *NEW*

• What Will You be for Halloween? by Mark Todd -Rhyming text describes a variety of Halloween costumes and characters, from venomous vampire and hairy werewolf to mysterious mummy and warty witch. 

Happy fall! Keep reading!

Bookworm List: Summertime!!

A big shout out of thanks to all who came to yesterday's Summer Reading Kick-off. We had a really good turn out, and everyone had fun with the crafts, stories, and games ( including Twister!!!). It's been a good first week, and there's more to come.  Our Family Movie Days start this Wednesday at noon (please register at Library Events ) , and is open to all ages ( children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult 18 yrs or older) and you can bring a lunch or a snack ( No red or dark colored drinks!!)

It's summertime ( or when I was little " Summer Break-out")! The weather's good ( somewhat colder than what  it should be) and it's time for lazy days and lemonade. Why not check out some books about summer? Here are some recommended titles:

• F is for fireflies : God's summertime alphabet by Wargin, Kathy-jo
• Dog Days( Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 4)  by Jeff Kinney
• Sun Dance, Water Dance by Johnathan London
•  A Couple of Boys have The Best Week Ever by Marlee Franzee
• Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach  by Melanie Watt

These and more books( including some books celebrating dads) can be found on display in the Children's Department.

Looking for more reads?Here are some suggested keywords:
Summer-Juvenile fiction
Summer-Juvenile literature
Beaches-Juvenile fiction
Vacations-Juvenile fiction
Ocean-Juvenile Fiction

Happy summer! Keep reading!!

Bookworm List: Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is this Sunday. How will you be celebrating it? Sunday brunch? A gift of appreciation?  Or perhaps you can stop in this weekend and get some books that celebrate Mom. Here are a few recommendations:

-We Love You, Mama! by Arthur Yorinks
-When Mama Come Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli
-Oh My Baby Little One by Kathi Appelt
-A Little Bit of Love by Cynthia Platt



glitter-graphics.com

Happy Mother's Day!! Keep Reading!!

Meet Bookston!!!

 The bear in Children's has been named. Meet...
Bookston!!!

Bookston all ready for the Library Gala!!

 Matthew Garcia won the Name the Bear Contest held in April during National Library Week. Bookston sits near the counters by the front desk in the Children's Department ( and has been know to dress up once and a while, as such as this picture here!!)

 Here are some photos of Bookston and Matt. Enjoy!!

Bookston and Matt play with the Busy Box

Bookston so happy to have a name. Thank you Matt.

Bookston and Matt enjoy a book.

Bookston would also like to recommend a few of his favorite books featuring bears:

-The Teddy Bears' Picnic- Jimmy Kennedy
-A Bear named Paddington-Michael Bond
-Little Bear's Visit- Else H. Minarik
-Old Bear- Kevin Henkes

Want to find these and more bear books? Bookston recommends using these keywords-
Bears-Juvenile Fiction
Bears-Juvenile Literature
Teddy Bears-Juvenile Fiction

Come see Bookston Bear and Cecily the Giraffe in the Children's Department!!

Bookworm List: Spring is Bursting Out all Over!

We may getting a winter storm this weekend, but here in Children's, spring is bursting out all over. Yes, the books of snowmen, winter, and Valentine's Day have gone back to the shelves to make way for the books of flowers, shamrocks, and bunnies. We even have a leprechaun craft!

Here are a few recommendations from our colorful display of St. Patrick's Day, spring, and Easter books:

• Flowers and Showers: A Spring Counting Book by Rebecca Davis
• Jamie O'Rourke and The Big Potato by Tomie DePaola
• When The Root Children Wake Up by Audrey Wood
• Baby Loves Spring by Karen Katz
• Jack and the Leprechaun by Ivan Roberston
• First Comes Spring by Anne Rockwell

For more, suggested keywords to try-
-Spring-Juvenile Fiction
-Spring-Juvenile Literature
-Easter-Juvenile Fiction
-Rabbits-Juvenile Fiction
-Flowers-Juvenile Fiction
-Birds-Juvenile Fiction
-Leprechauns-Juvenile Fiction
-St. Patrick's Day-Juvenile Fiction
-St. Patrick's Day-Juvenile Literature

Happy Spring and keep reading!

Bookworm List: Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

It's snowing outside and it's snowing in Children's. Okay,it's  not literally snowing in the department but we have winter and snowman books on display for you to check out.

Here are some recommended titles-

•  The Snowman by Raymond Briggs- When his snowman comes to life, a little boy invites him home and in return is taken on a flight high above the countryside. 
• Snowmen All Year by Caralyn Buehler-  A child imagines what it would be like if a snowman, made of magical snow, could be a companion throughout the year.     
•  A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohmann- As four kittens who have never seen winter watch the seasons pass, three of them declare the reasons they will dislike snow when it arrives, while the fourth cannot wait to experience it for himself. 
• Snow by Manya Stojic- As snow approaches and begins to fall, Moose, Bear, Fox, and other forest creatures prepare for winter.      
• Winter Lullaby by Barbara Seuling- Depicts the ways various animals spend the cold months of winter, from bats sleeping in caverns to fish swimming deeper in lakes where the water is warmer.     

Want more? Here are some keywords to use on our catalog ( or ask a librarian):

• Winter
• Snowmen
• Snow
• Seasons

Correction- For those signing up for next month's events ( and I think I mention in the comments next to the posting about January programs), we have a new calender.Click on Library Events and check it out ( and come to the programs!!)

Keep warm and keep reading!!