Challenge Club for Girls and Boys

So, we only had one boy so far at our meeting, and he was somebody's brother. Not a problem! We've invited them, right girls? Our theme this month is Fantastic Creatures, which are creatures no longer seen on earth today (yay for dinosaurs!). Your CHALLENGE BOOKS for this month were Minnie and Moo: Attack of the Easter Bunnies, or The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. You can claim your prize for reading one of these books at our meeting on Monday, October 25th at 4:30. We will be making some fantastic creatures of our own!

Book Club: Wild Animal Challenge

Our reading challenge is less than a week away. The two books you were challenged to read for the theme wild animals were Mice and Beans by Pam Munoz Ryan and Marley: A Dog Like No Other by John Grogan. Both books have animals that get into tons of mischief. You can claim your prize on Monday, September 27th @ 4:30. We will also have our usual fun with games and crafts.

Book Review: Julius: The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes

I've noticed quite a few lovely pregnant bellies lately, so I thought I should do a review of a book for introducing a new baby into the home. Most of these types of books are so sweet and wonderous, but Henkes reveals a darker and funnier side to bringing home baby.

The book begins with Lilly acting the part of a wonderful sister. She reads and sings to her mama's belly. Unfortunately, the story changes when Julius actually comes home. Lilly discovers a new baby takes up too much attention, and he stinks!

Everyone thinks Julius is the baby of the world. Everyone, except Lilly's cousin, Garland. Garland thinks the very same things that Lilly has said throughout the book. So, you would think that Lilly would be overjoyed to have a partner in her baby brother drama club. Oh, no!

Now, Lilly is the one to hail: "Julius is the baby of the world!"

This book captures the essence of sibling rivalry perfectly. Brothers and sisters are going to have disagreements. It is inevitable. If someone on the outside of this tenuous relationship tries to start trouble, though, they will be faced with a united front: family. Henkes uses humor to bring this concept to those who are experiencing the love/not-so-much love relationship for the very first time. Jealousy and sharing are hard concepts for pre-schoolers. Read this book and let yourself laugh about it!

Book Review: A Black Cat: An ABC Book by Britta Teckentrup

Bright illustrations and whimsical text are perfect for toddlers who have begun to ask, "What's that?" This is not one of those ABC books that also tells a story. It is a fun adventure through the alphabet, though. Our favorite page is the Octopus playing the Piano.

The high contrast pictures and small board book form are sure to please babies and toddlers. Learn a few new vocabulary words and get a big laugh with Y is for Yak. Just try saying Yak without laughing...

Book Review: Icky Sticky Frog by Dawn Bentley

I haven't reviewed any books in a long time, so I thought I'd review my son's favorite book right now! The Icky Sticky Frog is about a hungry little frog. It has wonderful rhythm and rhyme, so it is perfect for toddlers. The surprise ending will delight children of all ages. It comes in board book form or with paper pages complete with the sticky tongue on the cover. I found my copy at Big Lots for under $2, what a steal!

Summer Reading Club 2010

I've had many questions about SRC 2010 already! I know you are all excited about joining the reading club for all ages during the summer. We have fun activities planned for the whole family. We'll kick things off this year at the South Branch with a water-themed party. Wear your bathing suits and bring your own towel because you will be getting wet! The fun starts at 6 on June 7, 2010. You can sign up for the reading club, or just enjoy the festivities. Food will be served while supplies last. I can't wait to see everyone!

Storytime Break!

We are taking a week off before Spring Break, so we can have some springy fun for those of us who are not going away. This year, we are holding Spring Fling during Spring Break. Our theme is "Spring into Spring" and we'll be doing lots of jumping. This is a great theme for all ages, because even the littlest child likes to bounce and jump. You can come dressed up as any animal that hops! Wednesday, April 7th from 10:30 to 11:30, we will have stories, crafts, games, and a snack!

Regular storytimes will start again in two weeks on April 14th and 15th and continue through the end of the month.

Wednesdays- Ages 3-5 @ 10:05

Thursdays- All Ages @ 10:05, Babies/Toddlers @ 11