The Almost Librarian

(Full bibliographic info: Aylesworth, Jim. The Mitten. Helwig Industries, 2008.)

Move Over Rover by Karen Beaumont

Rover is lonesome in his doghouse until the heavens open and a storm pours down. Now all the local animals are taking up residence making for a very overcrowded house. (Ages 2-5)

Karen Beaumont's website

(Full bibliographic info: Beaumont, Karen. Move Over Rover. Harcourt Trade Publishers, 2006.)

One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova

A perfect book to share during the summer, this young girl and her best canine companion set out for a canoe trip (life jackets in place), but their calm trip is interrupted by a series of animals who hop on board. (Ages 2-6)

Mary Casanova's website

Margaret Read MacDonald's website

(Full bibliographic info: Casanova, Mary. One-Dog Canoe. Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2003.)

The Squeaky Door by Margaret Read MacDonald

The little boy is sleeping at Grandma's house tucked snugly into an enormous bed, but it's the squeaky door that causes the severe concern. Add one family animal at a time into bed to help comfort little boy and you add up to a smile-inducing and endearing story. Not to be missed. (Ages 4-7)

(Full bibliographic info: MacDonald, Margaret Read. The Squeaky Door. Harper Collins, 2006.)

My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann

This Caldecott Award winning tale is of Mouse, Mouse's new toy airplane and Mouse's friend Rabbit. Rabbit gets Mouse's plane stuck and sets about solving the problem in a humorous way. Get ready for some giggles. (Ages 3-6)

Author's bio

(Full bibliographic info: Rohmann, Eric. My Friend Rabbit. Roaring Brook Press, 2002.)

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

There is a house, a napping house where everyone is sleeping. They pile, one at a time, on the cozy bed until one little flea sets the whole crew into a flurry. The illustrations draw the reader in - set initially during a blue-gray rainstorm, the story finishes on a bright and glorious afternoon. (Ages 2-7)

Audrey Wood's website

(Full bibliographic info: Wood, Audrey. The Napping House. Harcourt, 1984.)

Color Wonder

2010-06-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

Like alphabet books, there is no shortage of books about the colors of the rainbow. And with good reason - this is a very popular toddler and preschool topic. The trick is to find color themed books that are good outside of the basic concept they are trying to teach - books that are fun and entertaining while they are also showing off red, blue and yellow. These are some favorites to track down at your library. Plus don't forget to check out these previous posts: Freight Train by Donald Crews, Planting a Rainbow, Color Farm, and Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert, and In Living Color by Steve Jenkins.

Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd

Dog has quite an exciting day collecting many more colors than just his one black spot as he romps out and about. This is a double hit - it's a counting book as well. If you like Dog, check out his ABC and Noisy Day books as well. (Ages 2-6)

(Full bibliographic info: Dodd, Emma. Dog's Colorful Day. Dutton Children's Books, 2001.)

Lunch by Denise Fleming

Mouse is hungry and is using his sniffer to seek out some colorful things for lunch. Each page gives a visual clue to the fruit or vegetable such as yellow corn, blue berries, and orange carrots. Bright illustrations and short, simple text make this a good choice for the youngest readers. (Ages 1-5)

Denise Fleming's website

(Full bibliographic info: Fleming, Denise. Lunch. Henry Holt, 1992.)

Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood

Little owl makes the decision to find out what he might be missing all day when he is normally asleep. And what he is missing is a beautiful array of colors which are shared with us through gorgeous illustrations. This is one not to miss. (Ages 2-6)

Tim Hopgood's website

Elizabeth Rusch's website

(Full bibliographic info: Hopgood, Tim. Wow! Said the Owl. Farrar, Straus and Grioux, 2009.)

A Day with No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch

While not a concept book to introduce the rainbow colors, A Day with No Crayons, instead, introduces the idea that color can be found and used within our everyday world. Liza is a girl who loves her crayons and in fact her whole world is organized by the colors of crayons. One day she runs out of paper and logically continues her work on her walls. Her mom removes her crayons and Liza's world goes literally grey until her imagination breaks free and she discovers sparks of color all around her. (Ages 5-8)

(Full bibliographic info: Rusch, Elizabeth. A Day with No Crayons. Rising Moon Books for Young Readers, 2007.)

Blue Goose by Nancy Tafuri

One day while Farmer Gray is away, the fowl of the farm decide to give it a splash of color. The sky, barn, grass, doors and even the sun are painted. This simple, but imaginatively fun book also introduces the concepts of mixing the primary colors to get some of those secondary shades. (Ages 2-6)

Nancy Tafuri's website

(Full bibliographic info: Tafuri, Nancy. Blue Goose. Simon and Schuster, 2008.)

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Three white mischievous mice are hidden safely from the cat while they are planted on a sheet of plain white paper. But the fun begins while cat is asleep and the mice discover three jars of paint - red, blue and yellow. They douse themselves in the primary colors and then delight in dancing in spilled puddles to make new colors. This color concept book never grows old. (Ages 2-6)

(Full bibliographic info: Walsh, Ellen Stoll. Mouse Paint. Voyager, 1995.)

The Deep Blue Sea by Audrey Wood

Similarly constructed in the pattern of This is the House that Jack Built, The Deep Blue Sea builds a rhythm of vibrant colors - and all atop that red island in the middle of the deep blue sea. Readers will be drawn in to the cadence to read along. (Ages 2-6)

Audrey Wood's website

(Full bibliographic info: Wood, Audrey. The Deep Blue Sea. Blue Sky Press, 2005.)

Now I Know My ABC's

2010-05-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

There is no shortage of alphabet themed picture books available in the market. You think of a theme; there's bound to be an ABC book. Many of them are delightful, creative and clever books that deliver both a joyful experience and the educational experience. A problem exists, however, in that sometimes the alphabet format can end forced and contrived - how many things really start with the letters Q and X? So just be cautious and just because it's an ABC book, you still need to evaluate it. You'll find below a few alphabet books out of the many great ones - enjoy and check them out from your local library!

The ABC Mystery by Doug Cushman

Follow a detective and his assistant through the alphabet as they chase an art thief. Clever rhyming text pairs with lively illustrations in this multipurpose title - alphabet book and mystery. (Ages 3-7)

Doug Cushman's website

(Full bibliographic info: Cushman, Doug. The ABC Mystery. Harper Collins, 1993.)

ABC NYC: A Book about Seeing New York City by Joanne Dugan

Photographer Joanne Dugan treats readers to a tour of New York City through her lens and through the alphabet. Some unusual choices for the letters make this an interesting alphabet choice. (Ages 4-7)

Joanne Dugan's website

(Full bibliographic info: Dugan, Joanne. ABC NYC: A Book about Seeing New York. Henry N. Abrams, 2005.)

Alphabet Under Construction by Denise Fleming

For all the arts and craft, tool and construction enthusiasts out there, Alphabet Under Construction takes us through the ABC's and through Denise Fleming's characteristic and bright illustrations. (Ages 3-7)

Denise Fleming's website

Google Books

(Full bibliographic info: Fleming, Denise. Alphabet Under Construction. Holt, 2006.)

The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca

Racers, start your engines! Featuring detailed and beautiful watercolor illustrations, Floca leads the reader through the alphabet and through the history of the automobile. (Ages 3-7)

Brian Floca's website

Full bibliographic info: Floca, Brian. The Racecar Alphabet. Atheneum, 2003.)

Alphabet: A Child's First ABC by Alison Jay

Featuring visually appealing old-fashioned illustrations, this alphabet book can also be an interactive I-spy. Each page features a main item and smaller objectives that start with the specific letter as well as an item that starts with the following letter. (Ages 2-6)

(Full bibliographic info: Jay, Alison. Alphabet: A Child's First ABC. Dutton, 2003.)

On Market Street by Arnold Lobel

This husband-wife team have created excellence for the children's literature field and this Caldecott Honor alphabet book is a delightful treat. (Ages 3-7)

Google Books

(Full bibliographic info: Lobal, Arnold. On Market Street. Greenwillow, 1981.)

Superhero ABC by Bob McLeod

With alliteration throughout, dazzling and bright illustrations accompany a different superhero type character for each letter of the alphabet. This is one ABC book not to miss. (Ages 3-7)

Bob McLeod's website

(Full bibliographic info: McLeod, Bob. Superhero ABC. Harper Collins, 2008.)

Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans

Featuring endangered animals for every letter of the alphabet, the art work in this ABC earned the Caldecott Honor. (Ages 5-8)

David McLimans' website

Andrew Zuckerman's website

(Full bibliographic info: McLimans, David. Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet. Walker and Co., 2006.)

Creature ABC by Andrew Zuckerman

The power behind this recently published alphabet book is Zuckerman's gorgeous photography. Mostly, each letter features an animal such as elephant for E, but occasionally other words fill in like quills for Q. (Ages 3-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Zuckerman, Andrew. Creature ABC. Chronicle Books, 2009.)

Truckin' on Down the Road

2010-04-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

Almost anything with wheels is a popular choice for preschoolers, but trucks in particular are favorites. And what happens often is that little ones find a favorite theme (like trucks or trains or butterflies) and then they want many, many books about the same topic. Sometimes it's easy to keep fulfilling their requests, but other times it's a real challenge! Below you'll find some great books featuring trucks and here are some links to previous posts as well: My Truck Is Stuck, Stuck Truck, I Stink, and Duck in the Truck. Don't forget to check out your local libraries for these titles.

Trucks by Byron Barton

This very simple board book is one in Barton's series. The illustrations are bold and feature different trucks in action. The text is simple making this a great choice for the youngest truck enthusiasts. (Ages 1-3)

(Full bibliographic info: Barton, Byron. Trucks. Harper Collins, 1986.)

This Truck by Paul Collicutt

Like the other titles by Collicutt, This Truck features simple text with realistic illustrations of actual trucks and it's not all the usual suspects - fork lift, excavator, fire engine, dump truck. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Collicutt, Paul. This Truck. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2004.)

Truck by Donald Crews

This 1981 Caldecott Honor book is a wordless journey of a delivery truck loading, traveling, and unloading its cargo. The illustrations are packed with signs, vehicles, building, and action - plenty to describe and talk about. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Crews, Donald. Truck. Greenwillow, 1980.)

Five Trucks by Brian Floca

Five Trucks takes us on a trip to the airport and features all the trucks that work on the tarmac. Lots of transportation fun for young readers. (Ages 2-6)

Brian Floca's website

Kersten Hamilton's website

(Full bibliographic info: Floca, Brian. Five Trucks. DK, 1999.)

Red Truck by Kersten Hamilton

On a rainy day some time between winter and spring, a school bus becomes stranded in the muck and the mud. Who is on the way to save the day? Red Truck! (Ages 1-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Hamilton, Kersten. Red Truck. Viking, 2008.)

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Unassuming, old fashioned Little Blue Truck has a spark of tried and true friendship and good will. Filled with farm animals and friendly illustrations, this is a story not to miss. If you like this book, check out the second in the series, Little Blue Truck Leads the Way. (Ages 2-6)

(Full bibliographic info: Schertle, Alice. Little Blue Truck. Harcourt, 2008.)

Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck by Lisa Wheeler

Is there room for one more? Farmer Dale always thinks so. As the animals squeeze in, the poor pickup truck finally breaks down and it takes a helping hand from everyone to get her running again. (Ages 2-6)

Lisa Wheeler's website

(Full bibliographic info: Wheeler, Lisa. Farmer Dale's Red Pickup Truck. Harcourt, 2004.)

Simple Story Extensions for Preschoolers

2010-03-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Preschool aged children are learning all the time from their experiences at home, at school and out in the world. As they are trying to make sense of their world, preschool children are sorting new information in several different ways. One way is when they experience something new and they mesh this information into existing knowledge to form a deeper understanding. Another way that young children process new information is that they change their existing knowledge to accommodate the new knowledge thereby creating a new understanding. The more connections that young children make about their world, the deeper and more meaningful their understanding.

So what does this mean in regards to reading stories? When children spend time listening to stories, they are taking in all the new knowledge and they are making connections and changes to what they already know. And this all by itself is wonderful, but what if you, as a caregiver, could provide experiences to make this meaning and knowledge even deeper for the children by offering simple story extensions to build on the children’s understanding of the new information?

And what, you might be wondering, is a story extension? A story extension occurs when you’ve shared a story or book together and then afterwards you naturally infuse related activities into your day-to-day routine. These activities might include songs, fingerplays, poems, additional related books, crafts, storytelling, authoring books, reader’s theater, cooking, pretend play – the sky is the limit!

While it might appear overwhelming, creating story extensions is actually an easy task to accomplish. You need a little creativity, a little time, and a few supplies. Here are some tips to get you started and some sample ideas – remember that you can’t go wrong in being creative. Also, these are opportunities to have fun as well as spend quality time with your children!

Tips for Story Extensions
1. If you’ve never planned a story extension before, start simple and pick just one extending activity.

2. Choose favorite books to extend that way you’ll probably have your child’s attention automatically if you’re referencing a book that is already loved.

3. Integrate the story extensions into your everyday moments such as breakfast time, bath time, craft time, etc. You don’t need to carve out specific “story extension time”. In fact, it’s more meaningful and authentic if you mesh into your regular activities.

4. The sky truly is the limit – you can get as creative as you want and it never hurts to try a new idea. If it doesn’t work, then you can stop and try something different later.

5. Talk about the story and the book – help explicitly draw the connection between the extending activity and the story that was shared earlier.

Story Extension Samples

1. Cooking: After you read a gingerbread story like Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett, plan on baking gingerbread cookies with your little ones on the same day. While you’re in the kitchen working through the recipe together you can talk about the story. You can make some wondering statements such as “I wonder what would happen if our cookies jumped up off of our cookie sheet. I wonder where they would go!”. As simple as that, you have made a story extension and created an opportunity for deeper meaning.

More stories that lend themselves well to cooking extensions: Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont, If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff, and The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson.

2. Songs: If you’ve read a book about a car such as My Car by Byron Barton, then you might want to follow up by singing some songs about driving cars like Drive My Car by Laurie Berkner or Drivin’ in My Car by Ralph’s World.

See my previous blog post about matching songs to books for more ideas!

3. More Songs: Of course, you don’t have to have songs on CD to extend a story with song. You can use readily known songs such as “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes” after reading From Head to Toe by Eric Carle.

Some more books and songs: And the Train Goes by William Bee with I've Been Working on the Railroad, Barnyard Banter by Denise Fleming with Old MacDonald had a Farm, and School Bus by Donald Crews with The Wheels on the Bus.

4. Even More Songs: You can also always make up your own song. Take a familiar tune such as Old MacDonald Had a Farm and you can change it to anything you need. For example, “Our Friend, Molly, Had a Snow Day” might be a song you sing after reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. The verses of the song would be anything to do with a snow filled day.

5. Storytelling: You can retell the story in your own way using props from around the house. For example, in Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins, a farmer is growing alarmed because apples are being eaten from his tree by the animals. To retell this story, cut out ten red paper circles for the apples and gather up a group of animal toys. Sit down with your child and start retelling the rhythmic story, acting it out with the toy animals. Have your child move the animals to eat the “apples” from the tree. A terrific and simple story extension.

Some more stories that lend themselves to storytelling: Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, The Napping House by Audrey Wood, and I Went Walking by Sue Williams.

6. Arts and Crafts: Creating art is a natural way to extend a story. For example, you could read a butterfly book such as Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert. Then you could make caterpillars out of egg cartons and butterflies with construction paper and glitter glue all the while talking about the life cycle of the butterfly.

More stories that lend themselves to arts and crafts: Blue Goose by Nancy Tafuri, Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd, and Not a Box by Antionette Portis.

7. Pretend Play: The story Below by Nina Crews shows a boy who loses a toy beneath a staircase and brave effort he enacts to save it. You could act out this story and create your own accidents and rescues with your own toys. Pretend play offers an infinite number of ways to extend stories.

More stories that lend themselves well to pretend play: We're Going on a Lion Hunt by Margery Cuyler, Machines at Work by Byron Barton, and Red Truck by Kersten Hamliton.

Extending a story provides children with the opportunity to expand their understanding and to construct deeper meaning about their world. Getting started in story extensions is quite simple if you take it one story and one extension at a time. Have fun and get creative – you never know where a story can take you!

Literacy Lava 4

2010-03-04T06:31:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the fourth issue of Literacy Lava! Literacy Lava is an free online resource for parents, caregivers and teachers and contains articles about a wide variety of literacy and children's literature topics - always something new and always something to take away. You can access Literacy Lava through Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook's website by clicking here.

In the fourth issue, you will find ideas for nurturing creative thinking, ways to use magazines with your kids, ideas for raising book-loving boys, what to do if your child is not into writing, how to encourage your child to love reading, ways to promote inquisitiveness through hands-on learning, how to help kids make connections through story extensions, and all about getting children to tell stories through movie-making. An don’t forget to check out the Online Extras page, and the Activity page for kids! Hope you enjoy this edition and spread the word about Literacy Lava!

Who's the Baker?

2010-02-06T22:05:00.001-06:00

This activity is called "Who's the Baker?". I made this set about 15 years ago while I was student teaching. I had pulled the idea from a magazine and I would cite it, but I don't have any recollection of the source. The "Who's the Baker?" set is made up of pairs; each pair is a plastic cookie cutter (like the ones found at Michael's Craft Store) with a card stock "cookie" that has been traced, colored, cut and laminated for durability. The whole set can be individually sized to the number of plastic cookie cutters that you would like to use.

Ideas on how to use a "Who's the Baker?" set:

Circle Time or Story Time Activity: Pair this activity with a cookie oriented book such as Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington. Give each child a cookie cutter and store the "cookies" in a bag or basket. Pull out each cookie one at a time and ask, "Who's the baker?". Have the children look at the cookie and determine if the cookie matches the shape of their cookie cutter.
One on One or Small Group Matching Activity: Set out all the cookies on the floor in rows. Have each child one at a time choose a cookie and find its cookie cutter.
Songs and Rhymes: Either while the children are choosing the cookies during one of the other activities or as a separate activity, sing a song or rhyme based on the cookie cutter. For example, a sunshine cookie cutter might remind you of the song "Mr. Sun" or the teddy bear cookie cutter might remind you of "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around".
Play-doh or Baking: You can always use the cookie cutters with play-doh or with real cookie dough!

To create a "Who's the Baker?" set, you will need the following supplies:

cookie cutters
card stock
markers and/or crayons
scissors
access to a laminating machine or clear contact paper

To make the set, trace each cookie cutter on card stock. Color and decorate the 'cookies' or you can have your children help you. Cut the shapes out and either laminate or cover in clear contact paper for durability.

While this activity isn't exclusively related to children's literacy, it lends itself well and can be teamed up with some great cookie or baking themed stories such as Walter the Baker by Eric Carle, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, and Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont.

Some More Great Winter Reads

2010-01-27T21:43:00.001-06:00

The Almost Librarian blog started almost one year ago today with a list of some "great winter reads". So to celebrate our first birthday, you'll find below some more great winter reads. Winter is the perfect time to curl up with some hot cocoa and a few good books. You should be able to find these titles at your local library. And don't forget to check back to last year's posting for the others. (Also, this Almost Librarian has graduated and will be an official youth services librarian beginning in February....now what to do about the blog title....)

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

This story, filled with Brett's amazing and detailed illustrations, is an adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but set in cold and blustery northern Canada. (Ages 4-9)

Jan Brett's website

(Full bibliographic info: Brett, Jan. The Three Snow Bears. Putnam's Sons, 2007.)

The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler

Little Nell has been told time and again that she is too small to help with her BIG Mama and BIG Sisters. After spending time in the woods building a great big snowman with the help of some forest friends, Little Nell discovers that she is capable of some big and amazing things. (Ages 4-9)

Margery Cuyler's website

(Full bibliographic info: Cuyler, Margery. The Biggest, Best Snowman. Scholastic, 1998.)

Kipper's Snowy Day by Mick Inkpen

Have you met Kipper yet? Kipper and Tiger spend a fantastically fun snow filled day together and especially love when they discover the snow sticks to Tiger's woolly clothes. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Inkpen, Mick. Kipper's Snowy Day. Harcourt Brace & Co., 1996.)

Snow Sounds: An Onomatopoeic Story by David A. Johnson

This simple story of a very snowy day in a rural setting is brought to life through the gorgeous illustrations and the sound driven text. (Ages 3-9)

Jacqueline Briggs Martin's website

(Full bibliographic info: Johnson, David A. Snow Sounds: An Onomatopoeic Story. Houghton Mifflin Co, 2006.)

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

This Caldecott Award winning non-fiction book shares the biography of the scientist, Wilson A. Bentley who discovered that no two snowflakes are alike. (Ages 4-12)

(Full bibliographic info: Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley. Houghton Mifflin, 1998.)

Poppleton in Winter by Cynthia Rylant

This book is an easy reader for the beginning independent readers, but it is also a set of winter themed stories featuring the fun to love Poppleton the Pig. Poppleton is the star of several books, so be sure to check out more titles! (Ages 3-9)

(Full bibliographic info: Rylant, Cynthia. Poppleton in Winter. Blue Sky Press, 2001.)

The Snow Day by Komako Sakai

This little bunny is experiencing a snowy day at home with his mother. (Ages 3-8)

Komako Sakai's website

(Full bibliographic info: Sakai, Komako. The Snow Day. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009.)

Red Sled by Patricia Thomas

Simple, straightforward, rhyming word sets and action inspired illustrations take the reader on a sledding journey with a young boy and his dad. (Ages 2-5)

Nancy White Carlstrom's website

(Full bibliographic info: Thomas, Patricia. Red Sled. Boyds Mills Press, 2008.)

Time to Get Dressed (or Not as the Case May Be)

2010-01-14T14:35:00.001-06:00

One thing that all young children have in common is that they all spend time every day getting dressed and undressed. This simple activity is a significant part of their little world - it's an opportunity to potentially express individualism, a chance to practice developing fine motor skills (zipper, snaps and buttons), a moment of together time with a loving caregiver. You'll find below a selection of books all about getting dressed and wearing clothes and in some cases, this is very silly indeed. Also, check out This Is the Baby by Candace Fleming from a previous post.

Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett

Brought to you by the author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing is a silly and fun exploration about why a variety of animals' natural 'clothing' is right just the it is. (Ages 4-9)

Author bio

Amazon.com

(Full bibliographic info: Barrett, Judi. Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing. Antheum, 1970.)

Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

Boynton's lovable and quirky characters progress through the many articles of clothing in rainbow of colors. However each clothing item has an "oops" guaranteed to get your little ones giggling. (Ages 2-5)

Sandra Boynton's website

Amazon.com

(Full bibliographic info: Boynton, Sandra. Blue Hat, Green Hat. Little Simon, 1984.)

The Hat by Jan Brett

Poor Hedgie tangles himself with a stocking and it remains adhered to his prickles on his head much to the amusement of all the other animals. Why, don't they know a fashionable hat when they see one? (Ages 3-7)

Jan Brett's website

Amazon.com

(Full bibliographic info: Brett, Jan. The Hat. Putnam, 1997.)

Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy White Carlstrom

Lovable Jesse Bear is getting dressed in all sorts of clothes throughout his busy preschool aged day. Colorful illustrations and a lively rhyme carry the story. (Ages 2-5)

Margaret Chodos-Irvine's website

(Full bibliographic info: Carlstrom, Nancy White. Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? Collier Macmillan, 1986.)

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

If you've known a preschooler, then it's possible that you've known an Ella Sarah. She is bound and determined to dress herself in a particular (and not quite coordinated) set of clothes that she needs for her special playdate with friends. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed. Harcourt, 2003.)

Muriel's Red Sweater by Dara Dokas

It's Muriel's birthday and she is distributing invitations to all of her friends and it becomes clear to them what she needs for her birthday - a new sweater! To replace the one that unraveled the whole day that she was out and about. (Ages 3-6)

Dara Dokas' website

(Full bibliographic info: Dokas, Dara. Muriel's Red Sweater. Dutton Children's Books, 2009.)

Shoes from Grandpa by Mem Fox

Set to the rhythm of "The House that Jack Built", Shoes from Grandpa progresses through a wardrobe of apparel that a young girl needs to go with her shoes from her Grandpa. (Ages 2-6)

Mem Fox's website

(Full bibliographic info: Fox, Mem. Shoes from Grandpa. Orchard Books, 1990.)

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Tabback

This award winning story is adapted from a Yiddish folk tale and tells how Joseph is able to use the fabric from his worn overcoat to make increasingly smaller items. (Ages 4-9)

Simms Tabback's website

(Full bibliographic info: Tabback, Simms. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. Viking, 1999.)

Feeling a Little Grumpy Today?

2009-12-30T09:15:00.000-06:00

Very young children are learning how to cope with their strong swings of emotion - one moment giddy, the next frustrated and crying. It takes lots of time and practice to learn about all these feelings and what to do with them. Find below a handful of books that involve a cranky or grumpy character as well as some resolution at the end. Also, please see back to a previous post for In the Rain with Baby Duck by Amy Hest. Don't forget to check your library's catalog for these titles!

I'm Not Cute! by Jonathan Allen

Baby owl is over-tired and encounters several folks who find him very 'cute'. Baby owl, however, does no

t consider himself cute, but rather believes himself to be a "huge, sleek, scary, sharp-eyed hunting machine". In the end, with help from his mom, baby owl is able to get some rest. (Ages 2-5)

Full bibliographic info: Allen, Jonathan. I'm Not Cute! Hyperion, 2006.)

When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang

Sophie has a disagreement with her sister and gets so mad that she storms from the house to find

a quiet place in the woods to be alone. The illustrations which start out as an angry red slowly blend back into cool greens and blues as Sophie is able to work through her anger. (Ages 2-5)

Molly Bang's website

Full bibliographic info: Bang, Molly When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry... Blue Sky Press, 1999.)

Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama returns for a day of running errands with his mama. After long lines and boring shopping, Llama Llama throws a tantrum in the store, but ever so patient mama is able to help him work through it and recover the day. (Ages 2-5)

Full bibliographic info: Dewdney, Anna. Llama Llama Mad at Mama. Viking, 2007.)

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This award winning children's classic about a boy who gets sent to his room after misbehaving takes us on his creative make-believe journey while he's in his room. (Ages 4-9)

(Full bibliographic info: Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. Harper, 1963.)

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

Poor Bird is feeling grumpy today and has decided to walk instead of fly. All the other innocent forest animals ask bird about his travels and are met with an increasingly grumpy bird. In the end, the animals, who have followed bird in a row, are able to help bring bird out of his mood. Fantastic, bright illustrations join this simple, but meaningful story. (Ages 2-5)

Jeremy Tankard's website

(Full bibliographic info: Tankard, Jeremy. Grumpy Bird. Scholastic Press, 2007.)

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Alexander is having a tough day that goes from bad to worse, but he gets some help from his mom who reminds him that some days are just like that - which is quite true. (Ages 5-9)

(Full bibliographic info: Viorst, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Antheum, 1975.)

Below are two CD's that have songs about being grumpy or having a hard day. You can make more connections by joining these songs with any of the books - enjoy!

I'm So Mad by Jim Gill

From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes

Jim Gill's website

Awfulish Day by Hans Mayer

From Just a Little Hug

Hans Mayer's website

The Power of Ten

2009-12-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

You will find no shortage of counting picture books available today. And many of them are terrific and offer a wide range of themes so you can match your child's favorite interests to counting books to make the sharing and learning more enjoyable and meaningful. Below you'll find a grouping of counting books that all count up to the number ten. A few more have been touched on in other blog posts: Ten Tiny Tickles by Karen Katz, Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz, Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins, Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang, Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and 10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle.

Ten in the Bed by Jane Cabrera

A twist on the familiar rhyme, this version introduces some interesting occupations into the mix. (Ages 2-5)

Jane Cabrera's website

(Full bibliographic info: Cabrera, Jane. Ten in the Bed. Holiday House, 2006.)

This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt

To the familiar tune of "This Old Man", Ehrhardt introduces you to nine famous jazz musicians. (Ages 4-9)

(Full bibliographic info: Ehrhardt, Karen. This Jazz Man. Harcourt, 2006.)

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss

Counting from one solo instrument up to a ten piece orchestra, the reader meets an array of instruments. (Ages 4-9)

(Full bibliographic info: Moss, Lloyd. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1995.)

Construction Countdown by K.C. Olson

For the trucks and construction enthusiasts, this book counts down from ten dump trucks down to two skid loaders. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Olson, K.C. Construction Countdown. Henry Holt, 2004.)

Cookie Count: A Tasty Pop-Up by Robert Sabuda

If you are not familiar with Robert Sabuda's extraordinary artwork, then you are in for a treat. This pop-up book counts from one to ten as two mice are baking for the holiday season. The pop-ups are wonderful fun, but are delicate, so this is one to share together. (Ages 2-9)

Robert Sabuda's website

(Full bibliographic info: Sabuda, Robert. Cookie Count: A Tasty Pop-Up. Little Simon, 1997.)

Over in the Garden by Jennifer Ward

Filled with lots of garden bugs, this variation of "Over in the Meadow" is sure to be a hit with those readers who love the great outdoors. (Ages 2-5)

Jennifer Ward's website

(Full bibliographic info: Ward, Jennifer. Over in the Garden. Rising Moon, 2002.)

Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood

The vibrant illustrations and simple rhyming text count a school of fish down from ten to one, but in the end you have ten little fish all over again. (Ages 2-5)

Audrey Wood's website

(Full bibliographic info: Wood, Audrey. Ten Little Fish. Blue Sky Press, 2004.)

How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen

A short board book, this counting book is for all those dinosaur fans out there. If you like Yolen's "How Do Dinosaurs..." series, this is another title to enjoy. (Ages 2-5)

Jane Yolen's website

(Full bibliographic info: Yolen, Jane. How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? Blue Sky Press, 2004.)

Literacy Lava 3

2009-12-03T08:28:00.000-06:00

Spread the word! Literacy Lava 3 is now available. You can access this free resource by clicking here. You will be taken to The Book Chook, Susan Stephenson's webpage where you simply download the pdf by clicking on its cover.

There you will find another great issue - exploding with tips for parents about ways to encourage literacy in family life. Find out what your local library has to offer, read ideas on making books with kids, sneak some learning into shopping, discover games that build literacy skills, develop imagination while playing Grocery Store, make writing part of your family’s life, read why picture books are so good for kids, and find out how literacy helped one child fight night terrors. Don’t forget to check out the Online Extras page, and the Writing Prompt activity page for kids.

Don't forget that this is a free resource developed by children's literacy bloggers, so please share and spread the word about Literacy Lava!

Mother Goose Is in the House

2009-09-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

Reading nursery rhymes and Mother Goose to babies and young children is an excellent way to provide an early literacy environment that will help children develop language and literacy. The rhythm and bounciness of the text create a joyful mood and become familiar to the children with every reading. And children, even babies, are so quick to learn the rhythms and sounds right along with you. Because most the rhymes are the same from book to book, what sets aside many of the nursery rhyme collections are the fabulous illustrations that join with the words. You'll find below a short list of some favorite nursery rhyme books, but there are plenty more to enjoy!

Mother Goose Remembers by Clare Beaton

Illustrated in Clare Beaton's style of colorful and animated applique, forty-six rhymes are offered in this beautiful nursery rhyme collection. This edition also includes an audio CD. (Ages 1-5)

Clare Beaton's website

(Full bibliographic info: Beaton, Clare. Mother Goose Remembers. Barefoot Books, 2006.)

The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews

Using distinctive illustrations that depict children in a current, relevant setting, this book of Mother Goose rhymes has been brought into the 21st century. (Ages 2-5)

Nina Crews' website

(Full bibliographic info: Crews, Nina. The Neighborhood Mother Goose. Greenwillow Books, 2004.)

Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola

A nursery rhyme classic for almost 25 years, dePaola's Mother Goose contains over 200 rhymes. Also, Tomie's Little Mother Goose. (Ages 1-5)

Tomie dePaola's website

(Full bibliographic info: dePaola, Tomie. Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose. Putnam, 1985.)

Animal Crackers Nursery Rhymes by Jane Dyer

This is a board book of rhymes with inviting water color illustrations. (Ages 0-3)

Mary Engelbreit's website

(Full bibliographic info: Dyer, Jane. Animal Crackers Nursery Rhymes. Little Brown, 1998.)

Mary Engelbreit's Silly Mother Goose by Mary Engelbreit

Mary Engelbreit has a large Mother Goose volume, Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose: 100 Best Loved Verses and the Silly Mother Goose has rhymes and illustrations taken from that, but in a smaller, board book version. Also, Mary Engelbreit's Merry Mother Goose, Mary Engelbreit's Happy Mother Goose, Mary Engelbreit's Funny Mother Goose, and Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose Favorites. (Ages 0-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Engelbreit, Mary. Mary Engelbreit's Silly Mother Goose. Harper Collins, 2005.)

Sylvia Long's Mother Goose by Sylvia Long

Over eighty rhymes are included in this volume of Mother Goose. Sylvia Long's whimsical and detailed illustrations provide a lot for young readers to look at while enjoying the rhymes. (Ages 1-5)

Sylvia Long's website

(Full bibliographic info: Long, Sylvia. Sylvia Long's Mother Goose. Chronicle Books, 1999.)

My First Mother Goose by Lisa McCue

This carry along treasury is a board book with a clip and handle. The joyful, bright illustrations will have your child asking to read this one again and again. (Ages 0-5)

Lisa McCue's website

(Full bibliographic info: McCue, Lisa. My First Mother Goose. Reader's Digest, 2009.)

Hickory Dickory Dock by Sanja Rescek

Twenty rhymes are included in this soft cover book that is perfect for little hands. (Ages 0-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Rescek, Sanja. Hickory Dickory Dock. Tiger Tales, 2006.)

Three Little Kittens and Other Favorite Nursery Rhymes by Tony Ross

This collection of tales includes almost fifty well known as well as lesser known rhymes set to detailed and inviting illustrations. (Ages 1-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Ross, Tony. Three Little Kittens and Other Favorite Nursery Rhymes. Henry Holt, 2009.)

My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells

No Mother Goose collection list would be complete without the Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells books. In addition to this volume, is the Here Comes Mother Goose collection. Rosemary Wells' illustrations, as always, are delightful and inviting to young children. (Ages 0-5)

Rosemary Wells' website

(Full bibliographic info: Wells, Rosemary. My Very First Mother Goose. Candlewick Press, 1996.)

Drivin' in My Car

2009-09-16T21:54:00.001-05:00

Vehicles in general are of interest to young children, but cars in particular are a great fascination. Many children spend quite a bit of time riding in cars and they often have curiosity about how cars work, where cars go, and what different cars look like. Below you will find a short list of books about cars or about driving, but if your little speed racer is requesting more, be sure to ask your librarian for more recommendations!

My Car by Byron Barton

My Car is driven by Sam. Sam loves his car and uses it to get all sorts of places including work, but at work, he drives his bug. Byron Barton's books contain very simple text and bright, bold images that are wonderful for very young readers. This title, among many of Barton's, also comes in board book format. (Ages 0-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Barton, Byron. My Car. Greenwillow Books, 2001.)

Sputter Sputter Sput by Babs Bell

Similar to My Car, Sputter Sputter Sput is a bold, bright story with simple text about a car that runs out gas and needs a fill-up to keep on zooming. (Ages 2-5)

Babs Bell's website

(Full bibliographic info: Bell, Babs. Sputter Sputter Sput. Harper Collins, 2008.)

Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car by John Burningham

Mr. Gumpy is taking his crowd of people and animal friends out for a ride in the car. All goes well until it begins to rain. Mr. Gumpy whether in his motor car or in his boat (from Mr. Gumpy's Outing) is a character not to miss. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Burningham, John. Mr. Gumoy's Motor Car. Crowell, 1973.)

This Car by Paul Collicutt

Similar to all of Collicutt's books, This Car introduces many different cars through a series of comparisons. The vibrant pictures and simple text make this book accessible to very young readers. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Collicutt, Paul. This Car. Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2002.)

The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca

The Racecar Alphabet progresses through the alphabet at the same time it takes the reader on a journey through history as racecars have developed. (Ages 4-9)

Brian Floca's website

Patricia Hubbell's website

(Full bibliographic info: Floca, Brian. The Racecar Alphabet. Athenuem Books for Young Readers, 2003.)

Cars Rushing! Honking! Zooming! By Patricia Hubbell

Using retro looking illustrations, this book introduces modern cars with simple, poetic text. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Hubbell, Patricia. Cars Rushing! Honking! Zooming! Marshall Cavendash, 2006,)

Zoom City by Thacher Hurd

This board book with its simple text and bold, energetic illustrations is intended for a younger reader. (Ages 1-3)

Thacher Hurd's website

(Full bibliographic info: Hurd, Thacher. Zoom City. Harper Collins, 1998.)

Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root

It's a hot, hot day and the family wants to take the old rattletrap car to the lake for a swim, but one breakdown after another finds the family replacing broken car parts with take-along items. This story has a wonderful rhythm and is one not to miss. Your young children will want to hear it over again and again. (Ages 2-8)

Jill Barton's website

(Full bibliographic info: Root, Phyllis. Rattletrap Car. Candlewick Press, 2001.)

Toot Toot Zoom! by Phyllis Root

Poor Pierre lives all alone on one side of the mountain, so he decides to take his car 'toot toot zoom' all the way to the other side to meet a new friend. Along the way, he meets some new folks who turn out, in the end, to be just the friends he was looking for all along. (Ages 4-9)

Matthew Cordell's website

Chris Van Dusen's website

(Full bibliographic info: Root, Phyllis. Toot Toot Zoom! Candlewick, 2009.)

If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

Filled with lively retro looking illustrations, we go on a fantastical journey to see one boy's imaginative vision of how we would build an amazing car. (Ages 3-8)

(Full bibliographic info: Van Dusen, Chris. If I Built a Car. Dutton Children's Books, 2005,)

Apples

2009-09-12T09:03:00.002-05:00

The first of the autumn leaves have begun fall and school has gotten started, so it's probably time to acknowledge that summer is over. As a popular fall theme, these books are all about or involved with apples. Some contain informative facts about apples and how they grow and others simply have apples as part of a lively and fun book. Enjoy and don't forget to check them out from your library!

Apples by Gail Gibbons

In Apples, Gibbons introduces a lot of information about where apples originate, the cycle of how apples grow, and how apples are used in recipes and traditions such as apple bobbing. (Ages 5-9)

Gail Gibbons' website

(Full bibliographic info: Gibbons, Gail. Apples. Holiday House, 2000.)

The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons

Also by Gail Gibbons, The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree brings the reader on a journey with a little boy and his dog as they enjoy and experience a full season of changes to an apple tree. (Ages 4-9)

Gail Gibbons' website

(Full bibliographic info: Gibbons, Gail. The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1984.)

Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett

Orange Pear Apple Bear is not the traditional, informative book about apples, but needs to be included because of its clever theme. Using only four words (orange, pear, apple and bear) and creating images that support all the combinations, this story is one that your young child will ask to read over and over. (Ages 2-5)

Emily Gravett's website

(Full bibliographic info: Gravett, Emily. Orange Pear Apple Bear. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Children, 2007.)

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

Two sisters witness the changes of an apple tree throughout the seasons until the apples are ready for picking and to be baked into a delicious apple pie. The collage illustrations are filled with lots of engaging details. A recipe for apple pie is included. (Ages 4-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Hall, Zoe. The Apple Pie Tree. Scholastic, 1996.)

Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins

Ten Red Apples counts down the apples on a tree as farm animals munch them one at a time much to the dismay of the farmer. The repetitive and rhythmic text allow young children to join into the reading and also make this a story that parents and caregivers can memorize to recite even without the book. The illustrations are bright and filled with fun detail for young readers. (Ages 2-6)

(Full bibliographic info: Hutchins, Pat. Ten Red Apples. Greenwillow Books, 2000.)

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

For the slightly older apple-reading crowd, How to Make and Apple Pie and See the World takes the reader on a world-wide adventure. A girl upon discovering that the market is closed begins gathering all the ingredients for an apple pie in their original locations (ex. apples from Vermont, cinnamon from Sri Lanka). (Ages 5-9)

Lauren Thompson's website

(Full bibliographic info: Priceman, Marjorie. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World. Random House, 1994.)

The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson

From the author of Little Quack, Lauren Thompson brings us The Apple Pie that Papa Baked. Similar in rhythm to This Is the House that Jack Built, this story takes is from the apples and backs it up to greater world where the apples came from. The lively illustrations have an old-fashioned feel using only a few colors and carry the story along. (Ages 3-8)

Jonathan Bean's website

Monica Wellington's website

(Full bibliographic info: Thompson, Lauren. The Apple Pie that Papa Baked. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007.)

Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington

Apple Farmer Annie runs an apple orchard. She grows and picks the apples and then she makes many apple products such as cider, pies, breads and apple sauce to sell at the farm market in the big city. Bright, colorful illustrations draw young readers in to follow the simple line of text. Available in a bilingual Spanish-English edition. (Ages 2-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Wellington, Monica. Apple Farmer Annie. Dutton Children's Books, 2001.)

Below you will find additional links to apple related projects. Using these ideas or coming up with your own apple based crafts and songs will expand your child's learning and help them to make connections between things they see, hear and learn in a book with things they see, hear, touch, taste, smell and learn in the world.

Apple Songs

Apple Art and Crafts

Apple Recipes

Resource Spotlight: Ready at Five

2009-09-02T09:50:00.001-05:00

Ready at Five is a non-profit organization based in Maryland. Ready at Five's mission supports the idea that all children in Maryland should have the opportunity to develop all of the skills to be ready to start kindergarten and be able to succeed in school. Their resources are meaningful to and practical for parents, teachers and caregivers of young children. The information is age appropriate for early childhood and is accessible for time-crunched parents and caregivers. The resources are not wordy and are not too academic; the information is straightforward.

Ready at Five has a resource component that includes a monthly, online newsletter called Parent Tips and activity boxes. The parent newsletter is archived here since the 2003/04 school year. Every school addressed a new topic in depth. Topics include health and safety, language and literacy, parents as a first teacher, science and math skills. Each newsletter downloads as a doc file and is one, single page in length. The concepts discussed are bulleted for a quick read, but still provide important ideas and information.

The activity boxes are quite cool. These are pdf files for each of the following topics: social and emotional development, physical development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies and the arts. Each activity box file includes information about the skills that young children should be developing prior to Kindergarten with the support of loving parents and caregivers. Each activity box also suggests activities to do with your child including the activity name, the appropriate age range, the purpose of this activity, supplies needed, instructions, follow up activities, and literature resources (which you can probably find at your library!). And these activities are not complicated and can be turned into fun games and time spent with your child.

This resource is one to bookmark and share - check it out in case Ready at Five has some information that would be useful or new for you!

Literacy Lava 2

2009-09-01T07:31:00.003-05:00

Literacy Lava is a free pdf ezine for parents and caregivers, offering tips on ways to incorporate reading, writing and communicating into family life.

In the second edition of Literacy Lava, you’ll find ideas: for motivating reluctant readers, for literacy on the go, for developing the imagination muscle, for linking math and literacy, for having a pirate party and a book picnic, for rhymes, games, activities and more!

Brought to you by bloggers and writers who are passionate about children's literature and literacy, Literacy Lava 2 is erupting with no- or low-cost activities parents, teachers and caregivers can do with their children. In this issue of Literacy Lava, I am in the company of these amazing contributors:

Dee White, Tips 4 Young Writers’ Blog
Kim Chatel, Chatel Village
Terry Doherty, The Reading Tub

Dawn Morris, Mom’s Inspire Learning
Sandy Fussell, The Reading Stack
Susan Stephenson (creator and editor of Literacy Lava), The Book Chook

So grab Literacy Lava 2 today through The Book Chook blog and keep your eye out for an upcoming Literacy Lava 3!

Duck, Duck Goose!

2009-08-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

Something about ducks and geese make them attractive characters for countless children's stories. Perhaps it is their versatility - they swim, they fly, they walk, they migrate. Or perhaps it's because they make wonderfully fun sounds with quacks and honks. Or perhaps it's because 'duck' rhymes so easily with many words. Whatever the reason, these titles have been brought together because of their thematic link to ducks and geese and if you like them, there are many more available. You can check out other duck and goose titles here in previous posts: Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough, Ruby in Her Own Time by Jonathan Emmett, Guess Who, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest, In the Rain with Baby Duck by Amy Hest, Off to School, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest, and One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root. So please enjoy this variety of books which discusses confidence and personal independence, simple counting, seasons, and friendship and remember to look in your library's catalog!

10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle

This Eric Carle book tells of a box of rubber ducks that is thrown overboard from a freight ship during a storm. The ducks make their way through the ocean to their new home and family. The end page holds a surprise for young readers - a button to push to make a rubber duck quack, quack, quack. (Ages 2-5)

Eric Carle's website

(Full bibliographic info: Carle, Eric. 10 Little Rubber Ducks. Harper Collins, 2005.)

Gossie by Olivier Dunrea

Gossie is the first in a series of short board books about this little engaging gosling. Intended for a very young audience, the Gossie books address age appropriate themes such as sharing and friendship through simple text and lively illustrations that express feelings with simple lines. (Ages 1-5)

Catherine Friend's website

(Full bibliographic info: Dunrea, Olivier. Gossie. Houghton Mifflin, 2002.)

The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend

Jack, the Cat, has built the perfect nest so as to attract a chicken to come a lay an egg and with this egg, Jack is going to prepare a delicious omelette. What Jack does not anticipate is that the nest is so perfect that a chicken, a duck and a goose fight over it and all lay eggs. And even more so to Jack's surprise is what happens when those three eggs all hatch. Filled with bright and hilarious illustrations, this story is one not to miss. (Ages 4-9)

John Mander's website

(Full bibliographic info: Friend, Catherine. The Perfect Nest. Candlewick Press, 2007.)

You're the Boss, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

Baby Duck is featured in several great books and in this story, Baby Duck is feeling a little left out as a new baby has joined their family. As in most Baby Duck stories, Granpa steps in knowing just the right things to say to Baby Duck. (Ages 2-5)

Amy Hest's website

(Full bibliographic info: Hest, Amy. You're the Boss, Baby Duck! Candlewick Press, 1997.)

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

The 1941 classic and Caldecott Medal winning Make Way for Ducklings is still a meaningful, warm, and relevant children's story for today. Set in Boston, a family of ducks finds its way to their perfect home in the Boston Commons. (Ages 3-7)

Lisa Westberg Peters' website

(Full bibliographic info: McCloskey, Robert. Make Way for Ducklings. Viking, 1941.)

Cold Little Duck Duck Duck by Lisa Westberg Peters

A little duck arrives back at her frozen pond a little too early before spring. Through her wishful thinking, she brings in the spring by imagining the sounds and colors. The beautiful watercolor illustrations are supported by the poetic, rhythmic words. (Ages 1-4)

Amazon,com

Amy Krouse Rosenthal's blog

(Full bibliographic info: Peters, Lisa Westberg. Cold Little Duck Duck Duck. Greenwillow Books, 2000.)

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Is it a duck or is it a rabbit? The bold image can be interpreted either way, so it's in the eye of the beholder. (Ages 4-9)

Tom Lichtenheld's website

(Full bibliographic info: Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. Duck! Rabbit! Chronicle Books, 2009.)

Come Along, Daisy! by Jane Simmons

Daisy is distracted by all the exciting things in the pond and becomes separated from her mother. Just as Daisy starts to become concerned, her Mama arrives and reminds her again to "come along"! (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Simmons, Jane. Come Along, Daisy! Little Brown, 1998.)

Have You Seen My Duckling? by Nancy Tafuri

One little duckling leaves the nest to embark on an adventure. Along with her seven remaining ducklings, the mama duck asks other pond residents if they have seen her missing duckling. This Caldecott Honor book with simple text is carried with detailed illustrations which draw in young readers. (Ages 1-5)

Nancy Tafuri's website

Jackie Urbanovic's website

(Full bibliographic info: Tafuri, Nancy. Have You Seen My Duckling? Greenwillow Books, 1984.)

Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic

Long past the time that all other ducks have flown south for the winter, Duck shows up at the door of Irene's pet-friendly and inviting home. Initially Max the Duck is welcomed into the roost, but as time wares on, so do Max's habits. So come spring, all the roommates felt it was time for Max to move on but little did they know how quiet their home would seem. (Ages 3-8)

(Full bibliographic info: Urbanovic, Jackie. Duck at the Door. Harper Collins, 2007.)

Gearing Up for School

2009-08-20T08:03:00.000-05:00

As the children are gearing up and getting ready to head back for the new school year (or some cases have already started the new school year), you'll find below a selection of titles about going to school, the first day of school, and the school bus. When children are starting school, it's always new - even if it's a school that they've been to before, it's a new year and probably a new teacher. Reading stories about the things that they will see, hear, and do can be comforting and helpful to young children. They might not be able to express their feelings (excitement, anxiety, joy, fear, etc), but they might be able to talk about a character in a book and then you can relate that conversation to your child and make it more personal. The list below is just a small offering of the many titles out there, so be sure to ask your librarian for more.

Maisy Goes to School by Lucy Cousins

If you haven't been to the world of Maisy yet, then dive in because your toddler is going to love it. Maisy's books are filled with bright, bold illustrations and very simple text. In this lift-the-flap book, Maisy spends a day at school. (Ages 2-4)

Lucy Cousins' website

(Full bibliographic info: Cousins, Lucy. Maisy Goes to School. Candlewick Press, 1992.)

School Bus by Donald Crews

An almost wordless classic, School Bus takes us through day of the buses - leaving the parking lot, going through the city streets, picking up the children, dropping them at school, etc. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Crews, Donald. School Bus. Greenwillow Books, 1984.)

Off to School, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

In this Baby Duck story, Baby Duck is leaving home (not all together enthusiastically) for school, but as always, Granpa is there with wise words of comfort. And Baby Duck meets a new friend which is always a good thing. (Ages 2-5)

Amy Hest's website

Jill Barton's website

Dandi Daley Mackall's website

(Full bibliographic info: Hest, Amy. Off to School, Baby Duck! Candlewick Press, 1999.)

First Day by Dandi Daley Mackall

The rhythmic, poetic text in this book takes us through a typical first day of school touching on all the main things that a child would notice - the bigger kids, sharing crayons, recess. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Mackall, Dandi Daley. First Day. Harcourt, 2003.)

The Wheels on the School Bus by Mary Alice Moore

You can sing along to this lively version of "The Wheels on the Bus". For every verse a new school related person climbs aboard - the librarian, the coach, the lunch ladies, the nurse. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Moore, Mary Alice. The Wheels on the School Bus. Harper Collins, 2006.)

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This story also encompasses the theme of being nervous and reluctant to go to school for the first time, but little Chester learns about the secret of the kissing hand and knows that his Mom is always with him. (Ages 3-5)

Audrey Penn's website

Ruth E. Harper's website

(Full bibliographic info: Penn, Audrey. The Kissing Hand. Child Welfare League of America, 1993.)

The Little School Bus by Carol Roth

Join in as these animals all board the bus and head to school. The repeating refrain of "and ride the bus to school, to school/and ride the bus to school" will have your little ones singing right along. (Ages 2-5)

Barney Saltzburg's website

(Full bibliographic info: Roth, Carol. The Little School Bus. North South Books, 2002.)

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School? by Barney Saltzburg

In this story, Cornelius P. Mud is getting ready for school in his typical, fun-loving way. His backpack is packed with toys and his breakfast was popcorn and yet he still isn't ready for school until he gets a kiss from Mom. If you enjoy this one, also try Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Saltzburg, Barney. Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School? Candlewick Press, 2007.)

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

The vibrant, energetic illustrations draw children into this lively alphabet book, an A-Z adventure of animals getting ready to start kindergarten. This is one not to miss. (Ages 3-7)

Joseph Slate's website

Ashley Wolff's website

(Full bibliographic info: Slate, Joseph. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. Dutton Children's Books, 1996.)

The Bus Stop by Janet Morgan Stoeke

The rhyming text with repeating refrain bring all the children to the bus stop in the morning. This is a great first book about riding the bus because it always starts with getting to the bus stop. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Stoeke, Janet Morgan. The Bus Stop. Dutton Children's Books, 2007.)

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen

For the dinosaur loving child, the dinosaur "how to" books by Jane Yolen are always filled with fun and she even sneaks in tips on what not to do as well as what to do. This one brings us through the school day with all those gigantic and lovable dinosaurs. (Ages 2-5)

Jane Yolen's website

(Full bibliographic info: Yolen, Jane. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? Scholastic, 2007.)

Activities Together: Non-Edible Recipes

2009-08-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

Bubbles, play-doh, crayons discs. Sometimes half the fun can be the time that it takes to make these supplies right at home. Below is a listing of links to online recipes for non-edible creations for children. Hiding inside the fun of creating together are early literacy skills: reading recipes and following an ordered list of instructions. So roll up those sleeves and make a mess mixing up a batch of homemade play-doh and tint it just the right color or finally have something you can do to recycle all of the crayon stubs and broken bits, but most of all, enjoy your time together with your young child.

Apple Cinnamon Dough (great for creating holiday ornaments)

Bird Seed Wreath

Bubbles

Crayon Cookies

Homemade Finger Paints

Ooblick

Play-doh

Flickr Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kohler/2197739750/

Shiver Me Timbers: Books of Pirates and Scallywags

2009-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Below is a small collection of delightful and imaginative tales involving pirates. But not to worry - these stories aren't too scary for young readers. And if you're looking for more pirate books, ask your librarian. There are lots out there to be found. X marks the spot!

Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi

Henry, a pirate bunny, isn't your typical pirate. He's more into books than into pirating and he has a hard time convincing his crew mates of the value of books. That is until the day that they are marooned on a deserted island and by use of the information from Henry's books they are able to save themselves. (Ages 4-8)

Carolyn Crimi's website

John Manders' website

(Full bibliographic info: Crimi, Craolyn. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. Candlewick Press, 2005.)

Dirty Joe, the Pirate: A True Story by Bill Harley

This book is quite funny. Dirty Joe is a pirate leading a band who are out to pilfer dirty socks. Truly. And they are ruling the seas until they meet their match in Stinky Annie who is out for dirty underwear. Yep. Dirty underwear. (Ages 3-8)

Bill Harley's website

(Full bibliographic info: Harley, Bill. Dirty Joe, the Pirate: A True Story. Harper Collins, 2008.)

The Night Pirates by Peter Harris

A little boy joins in to accompany a band of girl pirates who have tried to steal the front of his house to disguise their ship in their dreamlike adventures. (Ages 4-9)

Brett Hellquist's website

(Full bibliographic info: Harris, Peter. The Night Pirates. Scholastic Press, 2006.)

Roger, the Jolly Pirate by Brett Hellquist

Have you ever wondered where the name "The Jolly Roger" name originated? Or the skull and cross bones on the flag? Hellquist has invented a hilarious story about a pirate named Roger who stumbles and bumbles his jolly way into history. (Ages 4-9)

Jarrett J. Krosoczka's website

(Full bibliographic info: Hellquist, Brett. Roger, the Jolly Pirate. Harper Collins, 2004.)

Bubble Bath Pirates! by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Bath time is pirate time for these two boys as their mom ushers them through their nightly routine of waking the plank (getting into the tub) and raiding the treasure (getting chocolate ice-cream). Filled with lively pirate-speak, this story plays along with bold illustrations and lots of fun. (Ages 2-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Bubble Bath Pirates! Viking 2003.)

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long

Jeremy is enjoying his simple day at the beach when along comes a pirate ship and a band of pirates who are looking for a digger just like him. Figuring that his family won't miss him so long as he's back by soccer practice, Jeremy joins up on the pirate ship. He loves the pirate life - at first, but as the night turns stormy, he decides he'd rather be back on dry land. (Ages 3-9)

Melinda Long's website

(Full bibliographic info: Long, Melinda. How I Became a Pirate. Harcourt, 2003.)

Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail

Edward borrows a pirate adventure book about a lost treasure from the library and the pirates show up wanting the book. Edward obviously can't give it to them (it is a borrowed library book) and when he learns that the pirates aren't able to read it themselves, he reads it for them. (Ages 4-9)

(Full bibliographic info: McPhail, David. Edward and the Pirates. Brown, 1997.)

Shiver Me Letters, A Pirate ABC by June Sobel

In search of more letters than just "Rrrr", this pirate crew journeys through the alphabet sea. With so many alphabet books out there, this one takes a fun twist. (Ages 2-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Sobel, June. Shiver Me Letters. Harcourt, 2006.)

This Little Pirate by Philemon Sturges

To the rhythm of "This Little Piggie", this story tells of two bands of pirates who arrive at a treasure chest at the same time. After an exhausting face-off, the two groups decide to team together to enjoy the treasure and throw a party. And who doesn't love a party? (Ages 2-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Sturges, Philemon. This Little Pirate. Dutton Children's Books, 2005.)

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates

Slightly out of season right now, mark this one for the holidays. A variation on the classic Christmas poem, this festive and bright pirate version offers a little something different for the season. (Ages 3-9)

Sebastia Serra's website

(Full bibliographic info: Yates, Philip. A Pirate's Night Before Christmas. Sterling Pub Co, 2008.)

I Like Me!

2009-08-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

It's hard being a young child trying to figure out who you are. Below you will find a collection of books that reach out to toddlers and preschoolers that celebrate individuality and a sense of "me". These are stories whose characters are trying to stand out from shining siblings or who march to their own marvelous drummer or who are developing in their own time and at their own pace or who are looking for (and finding) unconditional love from moms and dads. These are books that celebrate a child being his or her own unique self as every child is. Don't forget to check and see if you can get them at your library.

I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

Lively illustrations take us through this story about all the things that this little girl likes about herself. A good book for helping to develop a sense of self and positive self image. (Ages 2-7)

Karen Beaumont's website

David Catrow's website

(Full bibliographic info: Beaumont, Karen. I like Myself! Harcourt, 2004.)

I Like Me! by Nancy Carlson

This spunky little pig takes us through her day as she talks about all the things she can do and what she likes about herself. Another great story for positive self image. (Ages 2-6)

Nancy Carlson's website

Jonathan Emmett's website

(Full bibliographic info: Carlson, Nancy. I Like Me! Viking Kestrel, 1988.)

Ruby in her Own Time by Jonathan Emmett

Ruby is a small duck who likes to make her strides in her own time. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Emmett, Jonathan. Ruby in her Own Time. Scholastic Press, 2004.)

Koala Lou by Mem Fox

Koala Lou is feeling a little unsure now that her mom has a lot of little brothers and sisters to look after, so she has decided to train and enter the Bush Olympics to make her mom proud of her. But what she doesn't realize yet is that her mom always was and always is very proud of Koala Lou. (Ages 3-7)

Mem Fox's website

(Full bibliographic info: Fox, Mem. Koala Lou. Harcourt Brace Javanovich, 1988.)

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum loves her beautiful name until the day that she starts school when the other children tease her. Poor Chrysanthemum is miserable and begins to loath her own name until a music teacher (named Delphinium) starts a popular trend to be named for flowers. (Ages 3-7)

Kevin Henkes' website

Full bibliographic info: Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum. Greenwillow, 1991.)

Guess Who, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

In the sixth book of the Baby Duck series, Baby Duck has a slight cold and Grampa has arrived to help cheer her up. They spend time exploring a photo album filled with pictures of when Baby Duck was a baby and she loves seeing the pictures of herself and how she's grown. (Ages 2-5)

Amy Hest's website

Illustrator Bio

(Full bibliographic info: Hest, Amy. Guess Who, Baby Duck! Candlewick Press, 2004.

Titch by Pat Hutchins

TItch was little and his sister Mary was a little bit bigger and his brother Pete was a lot bigger. This 1972 classic, while a little dated in illustrations, still reaches its intended young audience with simple, straightforward text and the message and you are still growing and growing and growing. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Hutchins, Pat. Titch. Aladdin, 1993.)

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus

Leo's father is getting a bit concerned because all of Leo's friends have developed faster than Leo and Leo hasn't "bloomed yet". But not to worry, Leo blooms - in his own time. (Ages 2-5)

(Full bibliographic info: Kraus, Robert. Leo the Late Bloomer. Windmill, 1971.)

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison

Velma Gratch is entering first grade as the last Gratch girl and she wants to find away to set herself apart from her achieving sisters. She finds her own skills in working with butterflies. (Ages 4-9)

Alan Madison's website

Kevin Henkes' website

(Full bibliographic info: Madison, Alan. Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly. Schwartz and Wade Books, 2007.)

Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor

Nancy has a special talent of making everything in her life a little bit more fancy. The only trouble is that her family isn't quite so fancy until Nancy offers some free lessons. After getting all dressed up, the family heads out for a night on the town that ends in an ice-cream disaster and Nancy in tears. But after a shower, she learns that her family loves her no matter what. (Ages 3-8)

Amazon.com (Spanish Edition)

Illustrator Bio

(Full bibliographic info: O'Connor, Jane. Fancy Nancy. Harper Collins, 2006.)

Starring the Babies

2009-08-01T08:37:00.001-05:00

Young children love seeing and hearing stories featuring babies and toddlers just like them. Below you'll find a sampling of books starring those little ones. For more suggestions, please see here for previous blog posts or check in with your local librarian! Additional books: Nighty Night Sleepy Sleeps by Brian Anderson, Ten Nine Eight by Molly Bang, Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont, A Child's Good Morning Book by Margaret Wise Brown, Where's Nicky by Cathryn Falwell, Hiding by Shirley Hughes, Titch by Pat Hutchins, Peekaboo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora, Counting Kisses by Karen Katz, Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz, Goodnight Goodnight Sleepyhead by Ruth Krauss, I Went Walking by Sue Williams, Let's Go Visiting by Sue Williams.

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont

Getting into a lot of painting mischief, this little baby keeps promising to stop painting, but can't seem to help herself. Filled with lively, colorful illustrations, the book's text can also be hummed along to the tune of "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More". (Ages 2-7)

Karen Beaumont's website

David Catrow's website

Candace Fleming's website

(Full bibliographic info: Beaumont, Karen. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! Harcourt, 2005.)

This Is the Baby by Candace Fleming

Like This Is the House that Jack Built, this is a story about a baby who is getting dressed (unwillingly) in all of those layers and layers of clothes on a winter's day. Young readers will smile along with the rhythm and bright illustrations of a familiar scene of getting dresses and care givers will smile along as they relate to those days of breaking a sweat while trying to get the wiggly baby dressed. This is a fun book not to miss! (Ages 2-5)

Maggie Smith's website

(Full bibliographic info: Fleming, Candace. This Is the Baby. Melanie Kroupa Books, 2004.)

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Working with the team of Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury, you are you sure have a fantastic book. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes has simple text and simple illustrations and they are each perfect for each other. Read aloud, the text bounces along in an engaging rhythm with the refrain of "And both of these babies/as everyone knows/has ten little fingers/and ten little toes" and the pictured babies from wide cultural backgrounds have the most wonderful expressions. Enjoy! (Ages 6 months - 3)

Mem Fox's website

Illustrator bio

(Full bibliographic info: Fox, Mem. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. Harcourt, 2008.)

Ten Tiny Tickles by Karen Katz

In Katz' familiar and bright style of illustrations, this book shows a family who helps the baby start her day as each family member finds a new place to tickle - her head, her belly and so on counting all the way up to ten. (Ages 6 months - 3)

Karen Katz' website

(Full bibliographic info: Katz, Karen. Ten Tiny Tickles. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2005.)

Baby Loves Visiting by Michael Lawrence

As part of a "Baby Loves" series, this story shows all the places that a busy baby might visit in a day - the park, a playgroup, lunch with grandma, picking up a big sister from school. And at the end of the day what baby loves best is coming home again. (Ages 1 - 4)

author bio

illustrator bio

(Full bibliographic info: Lawrence, Michael. Baby Loves Visiting. DK Publishing, 2002.)

Such a Silly Baby! by Steffanie Lorig and Richard Lorig

This playful story tells of a baby who gets into lots of mischief. Everywhere the baby visits with his mom such as the zoo or the circus, he ends up getting switched with an animal and left behind. But no worries, it always works itself out in the end. (Ages 2-5)

Rebecca O'Connell's website

(Full bibliographic info: Lorig, Steffanie and Richard Lorig. Such a Silly Baby! Chronicle Books, 2008.)

The Baby Goes Beep by Rebecca O'Connell

"The baby goes beep/ the baby goes beep beep/ the baby goes beep beep beep" - the catchy, repetitive text invites even very young readers to read along in this story that follows a baby through all the activities of a day such as shopping, eating, and taking a bath. (Ages 6 months - 3)

Kevin Wilson-Max's website

Elivia Savadier's website

(Full bibliographic info: O'Connell, Rebecca. The Baby Goes Beep. Roaring Brook Press, 2003.)

Boo Hoo Boo-Boo by Marilyn Singer

A topic that is familiar to little ones, this story shows three toddlers who each fall and get "boo-boo's" while playing. After the tears, the book ends with all three getting bandages and kisses and hugs so they will be "good as new". Filled with action oriented and bright illustrations, this story with its rhyming text is sure to be a toddler favorite. (Ages 1-3)

Marilyn Singer's website

(Full bibliographic info: Singer,Marilyn. Boo Hoo Boo-Boo. Harper Festival, 2002.)

One Naked Baby: Counting to Ten and Back Again by Maggie Smith

As this toddler moves through her busy day that starts with a bath and moves to a snack and moves outside to the garden and back inside to the bath again, we count along up to ten and then back down to one again. A rhyming text and inviting illustrations move this story right along. (Ages 1-5)

Maggie Smith's website

Amazoncom

(Full bibliographic info: Smith, Maggie. One Naked Baby: Counting to Ten and Back Again. AA Knopf, 2007.)

"More More More", Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams

This book contains three short stories of snuggling and caring for three babies. Filled with Caldecott Honor warm and bright illustrations and simple, rhythmic text, this book has been a toddler favorite for almost 20 years. (Ages 6 months-3)

(Full bibliographic info: Williams, Vera B. "More More More", Said the Baby. Greenwillow Books, 1990.)

Introducing Laura Doherty

2009-06-30T19:30:00.001-05:00

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you musician Laura Doherty. Based in Chicago, Laura has been with the Old Town School of Folk Music for ten years and currently is the director of and a teacher for the popular Wiggleworms program which offers music classes geared for early childhood. Laura offers concerts in the Chicago area - check out her show calendar here which includes also dates for shows on the east coast this fall. Her songs for children are filled with lively rhythms, easy to sing along with melodies and child-centered themes. Her latest CD, Kids in the City, was released in May of this year and she has also contributed to the two Wiggleworm CD's. All of three CD's are featured below.

Children's music can play an important role in literacy development. It's another way to play with and to explore language, words, rhythms, and story in an energetic and active environment. Music opens up the avenue for dance, movement and play. It also taps into all the different ways that children learn and builds on children's experiences and understanding of their own world. Additionally, songs can also support or complement books when matched up by theme as seen in a previous post.

Recently, Laura shared some of her thoughts and ideas about the important role that music can play in child development as well as in literacy development. Please read further for the interview and enjoy the music of Laura Doherty.

1. Why do you think children's music is important for children and their families? What impact have you seen in the children's development (social, emotional, motor skills, etc)?

I have been teaching and making music for children for 10 years and I believe it is an very important part of a child's development. It's great to expose children to all kinds of music, but music specifically written for kids has proven to build a child's language, motor and social skills, and can be something enjoyed by the whole family. When specifically working with babies and toddlers, I use melodies that are simple and easy for kids to learn, at that time in their life when they are learning to walk and talk. Also, songs that have body motions that accompany the song are memorable for children. I mainly teach children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years and it's amazing to watch what happens in the classroom. Even before they can talk, I'll see an almost one year old

doing the hand motions for Itsy-Bitsy spider or clapping on cue during "Happy and You Know it".

2. Do you see a role that music plays in children's literacy development?

I love children's songs that are created as books. The illustrations come alive and reinforce the lyrics to the songs. There's a ton of them out there. My favorite is a book I have on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". And for learning about jazz music there's a great book called "Charlie Park played Be-Bop" by Chris Raschka.

3. What or who is your inspiration for your children's music?

Chicago and the city in general was my inspiration for the songs on my debut kids CD "Kid in the City". I love living in the city and I wanted to write about it as seen through the eyes of a child. Chicago is a city rich in history. When you see the El train, you think Chicago. When you hear the blues, you think Chicago, and always a city that stands on its own, Chicago has it's own version of a hot dog. All these themes are explored in my songs.

I also wanted to make a record that used all acoustic instruments so that you can really hear the words and it gives it a more homey feel, like I'm on the back porch strumming some tunes! I teamed up again with producer Rich Rankin of Mosaic Music in Chicago to record the CD; we co-produced "Wiggleworms Love You" released on Bloodshot Records in 2005.

I moved to Chicago from New York in 1992 and got into children's music in 1998, when I started teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music. There I met Ralph Covert, whom I consider one of the masters of children's music! He produced by first grownup record (Days Without Maps c2000) and he has been an inspiration to me over the years. He has a way of crafting the perfect song, of engaging children, and he really knows the ins and outs of the business of music.

Another Chicagoan whom I'd admire greatly is Ella Jenkins, a children's music legend! I've had the opportunity to meet her and see her perform at the Old Town School of Folk Music several times. I love the way she can take a simple song and have a crowd of several hundreds singing along with her, call and response, completely engaged. Keeping it simple is what I learned from her. And she really has command of the stage, or classroom. I love that her music explores many cultures as well.

4. Do you have any favorite children's books or authors from your
childhood that you would like to share?

One of my favorite children's authors from my childhood is Richard Scarry. I loved the busy-ness on all the pages learning about all the different kinds of automobiles, for example. And recently, I've been really into books by Todd Parr. I love his bold illustrations and his books all have a message, with a focus on diversity. I especially like "The Family Book" and "The Peace book".

You can catch Laura on these CD's. Check out the songs by clicking on the links.

Songs for Wiggleworms

To order through I-Tunes

(Full bibliographic info: Songs for Wiggleworms. Old Town School of Music, 2000.)

Wiggleworms Love You

CD Baby Independent Music

To order through I-Tunes

(Full bibliographic info: Wiggleworms Love You. Old Town School of Music, 2005.)

Kids in the City by Laura Doherty

Laura Doherty's website

(Full bibliographic info: Doherty, Laura. Kids in the City. CD Baby, 2009.)

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-06-23T20:49:00.001-05:00

Those dog days of summer are upon us so as you're hunting up some new books to check out, take a look at these books which feature man's best friend and all of the fun antics that dogs usually bring to the table. For more titles, check these books that have been featured in previous posts: What Pet to Get by Emma Dodd, and Dogs and Cats by Steve Jenkins. And these are certainly not all the dog books out there, so ask your librarian for more suggestions and keep an eye out here for another posting that will include books featuring pets in general.

Stella, Unleashed: Notes from the Doghouse by Linda Ashman

Stella is the new dog in town in shares all about her life from her perspective through 29 clever and engaging poems. (Ages 4-9)

Linda Ashman's website

Paul Meisel's website

(Full bibliographic info: Ashman, Linda. Stella Unleashed: Notes from the Doghouse. Sterling Pub. Co., 2008.)

Wet Dog! by Elise Broach

This poor dog is so hot in the middle of summer, but once he finds opportunities to soak in water, he shakes and shimmies in heaven. It's too bad he's getting everyone else soaked as they prepare for a fancy, too-hot wedding. The lively illustrations have the reader falling for this sloppy, messy, enthusiastic pooch. (Ages 4-9)

Elise Broach's website

David Catrow's website

Alyssa Satin Capucilli's website

(Full bibliographic info: Broach, Elise. Wet Dog! Dial Books for Young Readers, 2005.)

Bathtime for Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Although this book is formatted as an easy reader for beginning readers, the playful story line draws in preschoolers. Biscuit the mischievous pup does not want to take a bath and you'll have to guess who splashes into the tub in the end. The Biscuit books are a series, so if you enjoy this one, you'll have plenty more to check out. (Ages 3-7)

Pat Schorie's website

Eileen Christelow's website

(Full bibliographic info: Capucilli, Alyssa Satin. Bathtime for Biscuit. Harper Collins, 1998.)

The Five-Dog Night by Eileen Christelow

Although this book goes from the first winter's chill to the sub-zero nights and doesn't exactly portray summer in any way, the story which is filled with friendship is heartwarming and fun. And you'll have to read to find out exactly what a five-dog night is. (Ages 4-8)

(Full bibliographic info: Christelow, Eileen. The Five-Dog Night. Clarion Books, 1993.)

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Sometimes children's picture books can provide a way to read about and talk about really difficult circumstances. In Fred Stays with Me!, the reader sees the life a little girl who sometimes lives with her mom and who sometimes lives with her dad in a joint custody situation. But Fred, her faithful companion, always stays with her no matter where she goes. Fred Stays with Me! is a realistic and matter-of-fact story that is neither apologetic nor overly sentimental. (Ages 4-9)

Nancy Coffelt's Blog

(Full bibliographic info: Coffelt, Nancy. Fred Stays with Me! Little Brown, 2007.)

Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman

Katie, the dog, has new company. Sarah Ann has brought home hree tiny, fluffy, wonderful kittens and Katie is so very, very excited that she cannot possibly contain herself (or her frantic tail) and she just wants to love the kittens so much! (Ages 3-7)

John Himmelman's website

(Full bibliographic info: Himmelman, John. Katie Loves the Kittens. Henry Holt and Co., 2008.)

Oh, Tucker! by Steven Kroll

Tucker is Thelma's enthusiastic dog who charges the house when called in for breakfast. Tucker's flapping tail causes a lot of commotion in the early morning, but you can't help by love him. (Ages 3-8)

Steven Kroll's website

Meghan McCarthy's website

(Full bibliographic info: Kroll, Steven. Oh, Tucker! Candlewick Press, 1998.)

Show Dog by Meghan McCarthy

Ed, the mangy mutt, is not your typical show dog, but the Hubbles enter him into the state county contest. Ed's unorthodox behavior is hilarious as are the illustrations. (Ages 4-9)

(Full bibliographic info: McCarthy, Meghan. Show Dog. Viking, 2004.)

The Great Gracie Chase by Cynthia Rylant

Poor Gracie is disturbed from her restful day by noisy house painters, so her strategy is to run, create a ruckus to get folks to chase her and then head on home to the peace and quiet. (Ages 4-9)

Author's Bio

Illustrator's Bio

(Full bibliographic info: Rylant, Cynthia. The Great Gracie Chase. Blue Sky Press, 2001.)

Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon

From the author of No, David!, Good Boy, Fergus! introduces Fergus, the dog. A typical dog who does exactly as he wants when he wants without regard to his owner's commands. In fact, even is Fergus is failing over and over to follow instructions, he keeps on earning the "Good boy, Fergus!". (Ages 3-8)

Author's bio

(Full bibliographic info: Shannon, David. Good Boy, Fergus! Blue Sky Press, 2006.)

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont

One weekend afternoon, a family comes across a playful dog while on a picnic in the park. The parents assume that the dog is well cared for and therefore must belong to someone, so they leave the dog behind. The dog is not forgotten by anyone in the family and the following week during a return trip to the park, the children rescue the dog just in time before the dog catcher snatches him up by claiming that the dog is theirs. And now he is. (Ages 3-7)

(Full bibliographic info: Simont, Marc. The Stray Dog. Hi Marketing, 2001.)

The Hound from the Pound by Jessica Swaim

Miss Mary Lynn MacIntosh is lonely and has decided to liven up her home and life with a dog. When she goes to the dog pound to choose her new friend, Blue the Basset Hound, Mary has no idea what shenanigans she's in for. (Ages 4-9)

Jill McElmurry's website