Mother's Day Storytime

Instead of having Mother's Day Storytime on Mother's Day this coming Sunday, I planned it a week early so that the kids could make a gift for mom ahead of time. I've been saving jars since the beginning of the year and finally found a craft I wanted to use them for... flower vases so cheerful and bright!

Figuring out the craft was easy, but the actuall story time gave me some trouble. A lot of the mother's day books are (in my opinion) pretty sappy... My mommy loves me even when I'm _____, my mommy loves me no matter what, I miss my mommy when she is away, etc. etc. So to keep storytime on the lighter side, I selected a few books that were not you're typical Mother's Day reads.

Mother's Day Storytime Line-up:

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Started with the classic. I'm pretty sure this was one of my brother's favorite books growing up. You can't go wrong with P.D. Eastman.

My monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck, illustrated by Mark Buehner

I was thinking about using this book for Halloween storytime, but I thought it would be a fun spin to use it for Mother's Day instead.

Joey by Jack Kent

After reading Round Robin, I've become a big fan of Jack Kent books. Joey is a silly book about a mother kangaroo who doesn't want her joey to stray too far from home. Instead she encourages him to invite his friends over to the pouch, which in no time at all starts to get a wee bit crowded.

Not Inside This House by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by David Ercolini

Another funny mother and child story which starts as Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse bringing home a few bugs and turns into an affinity for bringing home all kinds of wilderness and whatnot. Naturally, mom is not pleased. A goofy, light-hearted story about picking and choosing your battles.

Because You're My Baby by Sherry North, illustrated by Marcellus Hall

This was my lovey dovey pick. From sailing a ship with sails of cotton candy and a crew of penguins, to off-roading on the moon, a mother will do anything for her child.

Flower Vase Craft:

I've been a bit of a hoarder with glass jars this year. Anything for a small mustard jar to large 2lb applesauce jars. I used a few for this fairy jar craft back in March, but I've finally put the rest to good use! We made these colorful flower vases for Mother's Day gifts as our craft after storytime.

Materials used: glass jar, tissue paper, scissors, paintbrush, and glue. That's it!

Before storytime the only thing I did to prep was cut out small squares from tissue paper.

When it was time to make the craft after reading our books, I squirted glue into paper plates.. that way the glue wasn't drying while I was reading to the kids. Then, each kid selected a jar and a paintbrush and started to paint a single coat of glue around the jar.

Then, they applied the tissue paper squares to the glue.

I liked making an ombre effect with my example jar, but the kids, as usual, were very crafty and made mosaic looking vases, or only used a little bit of tissue paper on the top or bottom which also had a nice effect.

I added another coat of glue over the tissue paper to seal it after I was done, but it isn't absolutely necessary to do. It does take a little longer to dry that way.

Once dry, they're flower ready!

Here's the one L made for me, currently on display in our house.

I love it.

Have a Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful, amazing moms out there!

image source: are you my mother, monster mama, joey, not in this house, because you are my baby

Children's Book Week

Today is the kick-off of Children's Book Week, the longest-running literacy initiative in the country! Below is a list of  fun ways for kids to celebrate:

1. Visit your public or school library and check out a book!


2. Check for official CBW events and local events in your neck of the woods.


3. Grab FREE bookmarks created by Lane Smith here.


4. Encourage kids to write a letter to your favorite author (or illustrator). You can usually find contact information on the publisher's or author's website.


5. Try making your own book! Kids loved putting together these "Color Poetry Books" a few weeks ago. Also try creating this flip book or this handmade picture book craft.


6. Know a Amelia Bedelia fanatic?  Or is it Bad Kitty? Have a little make-believe fun by encouraging dress up as a favorite book character. Older kids can go one step further and put on a play.

What are you doing to celebrate?

I'd love to know!

 

 

 

 

 

image source: CBW poster,

Recent Kids Reads

The One and Only Ivan By Kathrine Applegate

Recommended age: 8 & up

In a Nutshell: I read this book in one sitting on the plane ride to New Orleans back in March. A heartfelt story in prose about Ivan, a Silverback gorilla who lives in lowly conditions as a feature of a highway attraction mall, "The Ape at Exit 8".  His confined daily life takes a turn when a young baby elephant, Ruby, arrives. Ivan, with fatherly affections for Ruby, comes to realize her life depends on him. Gary Schmidt said it perfectly in his quote of praise, "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart-- And then, against all odds, mend it again." A feel good book about how love can spark determination and hope.

Perfect For: The Jane Goodall wannabe and the spirited artist.

Fake Mustache: Or, How Jodie O'Rodeo And Her Wonder Horse (And Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election From a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind by Tom Angleberger

Recommend age: 8 & up

In a Nutshell: Tom Angleberger of Origami Yoda and Horton Halfpott (which I'm currently reading) knows how to write books that kids want to read. I found myself snickering while reading Fake Mustache, his latest about an evil mustache, an unexpected friendship between an ordinary boy and a TV star has-been, and their quest to stop an evil mastermind in world domination.

Perfect for: The goofball, comedy lover.

The Case of the Deadly Desperados by Caroline Lawrence

Recommended age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: Yee-Hah!! I have this deep desire for country westerns to make a comeback. In a big way. Think John Wayne and Lone Ranger cowboy craze in the 1950's. Caroline Lawrence debuts this beacon of light for cowboy culture with The Case of the Deadly Desperados. Dashes mystery, intrigue, and everything kids love about action books. Even the slang is pitch perfect. So much so that I feel I should warn those sensitive to language... the word "Hore" and is used a few times and in it's truest form. The scandal! Just so that you are aware or in case you might want to read it first before recommending it to kids.  Other than that, this was such a fun book to read. Many thanks to Caroline Lawrence for sparking the western comeback!

Perfect for: Mystery lovers and those growing bored of ninja and wizard heroes, looking for the next big adventure to dive into.

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Recommended Age: 10 & up

In a Nutshell: Austin is autistic; that doesn't mean he isn't human. This is such a wonderful story from the perspective of an autistic boy about his dreams of becoming a writer and of having something he's never had before.. friendship and acceptance.

Perfect For: The writer, storyteller, daydreamer.

Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski

Recommended Age: 10 & up

In a Nutshell: A bohemian fantasy with a strong female lead and a clock that controls the weather (and the world!), what is there not to like about Marie Rutkoski's first novel, The Cabinet of Wonders? I thought the first couple chapters were a little on the slow side, but after that I couldn't put this book down. Charming and exotic and jam packed with adventure to the very last page, reading this book was a treat.

Perfect For: The inquisitive inventor and the fantasy page-turner.

 

So, what have you been reading lately?

Anyone been making their summer to-read lists yet?

 

image sources: the one and only ivan, fake mustache, deadly desperadoes, anything but typical, cabinet of wonders

 

Obsession II

While Elmo and Maisy Mouse continue to be the craze with L, there's a new character (and friends!) in town, who's popularity seems to be outdoing the former obsessions.

The character is none other than the beloved chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff, he's Winnie the Pooh.

A few weeks ago I started singing the Winnie the Pooh theme song (we sing frequently throughout each day) and after she kept asking for "Pooh song!", "Pooh song!". So, I checked out a CD from the library with the theme song and a picture book of Winnie the Pooh and now every time she visits the library she asks, "Pooh Book?", "Pooh Book?". If I had been keeping tabs on the total "Pooh song" and "Pooh book" requests, I'm pretty sure it' would be in the triple digits. Her interest hit an all time peak when my mom sent my old Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Rabbit stuffed animals from when I was a girl to L.

She's in love.

When she's old enough, I'm really looking forward to when I can read her The World of Pooh: The Complete Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. If you're looking for a great read-aloud bedtime book, it doesn't get much better than a visit to the Hundred Acre Woods.

Until that time, below is a list of our favorite books and more featuring that loveable silly ol' bear:

Winnie the Pooh and Some Bees by A.A. Milne, adapted by Stephen Krensky, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard

This book and the following two titles are easy reader book,  adapted from A.A. Milne's original tales. Perfect for listeners 2-3 & up or the beginning reader.

Eeyore Has a Birthday by A.A. Milne, adapted by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard

Pooh Goes Visiting

Other books in this easy reader series include: Pooh Invents a New Game and Tigger Comes to the Forest

Pooh Goes Visiting (Mini Board Book)

And if the adapted easy readers are still a little too long for your child, we really enjoy the Mini Board Book editions like the one above. We found this one at our local used bookstore, The Dusty Bookshelf for a dollar. It's the perfect size to slip into a diaper bag or take in the car.

I Love My Mama by The Walt Disney Company, Isabel Gaines

An easy reader book, Disney-ified. Also a good Mother's Day book pick.

Winnie the Pooh's Colors inspired by A.A.Milne, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard

Extremely simple picture books for all ages. We also enjoy reading Winnie the Pooh's 1, 2, 3 and Winnie the Pooh's Opposites.

The World of Christopher Robin by A.A. Milne, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard

My co-worker suggested reading A.A.Milne's poetry to L since she is so ecstatic about Pooh. Her favorite is "Hoppity".

The Essential Guide of Winnie the Pooh by DK Publishing

Large picture book with facts about Pooh and friends. L mostly likes this book for skimming through the pictures.

Songs and Story: Dinsey Winnie the Pooh CD

A few Pooh favorites and a read-aloud of "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree".

The Best of Pooh & Heffalumps Too CD

All the old school Pooh songs like "Little Black Rain Cloud" and "Rumbly in My Tumbly" and the Winnie the Pooh theme song included.

More Pooh Fun!!!

The Pooh Party Book inspired by the four Pooh books by A.A. Milne by Virginia H. Ellison, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard

I strongly encourage you to check your library to see if they have the next two books, The Pooh Party Book and The Pooh Get-Well Book. They are just so wonderful in every way and a great resource for activities to do with kids of all ages.

The Pooh Party Book is broken up into 5 party categories: "An Eeyore Birthday Party", "A Spring Party", "A Picnic, Swimming, and Exposition Party", "A Honey-Tasting Party for Pooh", and "A Woozle-Wizzle Snow Party". Each party theme includes everything from the tablecloth and napkin styles, to things to eat and drink (like Wafflewitches with Apple Nut Salad, Jam Tea for Six, Honey Bread, and Thistle Snow Ice Cream Soda) to things to make and games to play.

The Pooh Get-Well Book; Recipes and Activites to Help You Recover from Wheezles and Sneezles inspired by the four Pooh books by A.A. Milne by Virginia H. Ellison, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard

The Pooh Get-Well Book is broken up into categories "Teazles: Puzzles, Poems, and Other Fun with Words", "Strengthening Things to Drink and Eat (like Toddy for a Cough and Hot Clove Oranges!)", and "Pleazles: To Make and Play While Getting Well". Do you remember being a home sick as a kid? It was painfully boring. Sometimes I didn't know what was worse... going to school or staying home sick. My favorite part about this book is the "Pleazles" section which includes bed rest activities like raindrop races, bird-watching from bed, toothpick doodles, and games and coloring sheets to photocopy from the back of the book.

This morning I tracked down and purchased both The Pooh Party Book and The Pooh Get-Well Book to add to our home library. It's too delicious not to.

And if you haven’t had enough of Pooh... Pooh for adults:

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

I read The Tao of Pooh while I was in college and really enjoyed it. It's charming, easy to read, and a unique way to reflect on the morals of Taoism.

The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff

I have not read the The Te of Piglet, but I have been meaning to. I've heard it is equally as enjoyable as The Tao of Pooh.

image sources:the world of pooh, winnie the pooh and some bees, eeyore has a birthday, pooh goes visiting, mini board book, i love you mama, winnie the pooh's colors, the world of christopher robin, the essential guide of winnie the pooh, songs and story, the best of winnie the pooh, pooh party book, pooh get well book, Tao of pooh and te of piglet,

Evolution

A minor glitch on Monday night resulted in a full blown Sturdy for Common Things crash. There was nothing but a blank, painfully bright, white page.

Luckily most of the content was saved on my brother's server. But for those hours in between the recovery I was heart broken.

But the great thing about

 

Poetry is Music

Yesterday was the last day of April and the last day of National Poetry Month and the day before yesterday was last poetry-themed Sunday Storytime, "Poetry is Music". We were very fortunate to have a couple special guests, local musician, Michael Bradley and his daughter Eva preforming lyrical songs. I would alternate reading a poem that is also a song/song that is also a poem picture books and they preformed the song sing-a-long style.

Poetry is Music Storytime Line-up:

This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie, illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen

I Had a Rooster by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, song by Pete Seeger

Over the Rainbow by Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, adapted by Judy Collins, illustrations by Eric Puybaret

Eva, Michael's daughter, sang "Over the Rainbow" and it was gorgeous.

But in case weren't there to hear Ava... here's good ol' Judy.

We also sang "Oh Susanna"

and Cat Steven's "If You Want To Sing Out Sing Out"

Musical Bean Tambourine Craft:

Since we had a musical storytime, for our craft we made musical instruments... Bean Tamborines! Of course after I prepped my examples for storytime and took pictures of them, I realized I switched the "Music" and "Poetry" on the tambourine. So it should read like so...

But you get the idea.

This was an extremely simple craft to make and really all you need is dried beans, paper plates, and a stapler, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you can add whichever decorations that seem fit! Markers, paint, glitter, ribbon.... We used crepe paper and stickers.

If you're not adding streamers, go ahead and fill one paper plate with a handful of beans.

If you are adding streamers, go ahead and tape streamers to the inside of the plate and then add beans.

Place another paper plate on top of the one filled with beans and staple together. Make sure the staples are close enough so the beans don't spill out.

Cut streamers to desired length.

And decorate!

Here is a look back at the other poetry-themed storytimes from April:

Poetry is FUN

Poetry as STORY

Poetry in NATURE

I can't believe it's over...

Where did April go?

Hope everyone had a wonderful, poetry-filled month! Happy May Day!



image sources: this land is your land sheet music, this land is your land, i had a rooster, over the rainbow