Of meadows and magic.
Inside outside.
Fluttertoes.
Morning road.
Peonies remind me of working on W. 28th. Spring was a jungle of peonies.
Supermoon.
On a stroll to market, to market.
Full bloom.
Answers to Steve. Loves tomatoes.
Reading west.
Beauty.
Mystery.
Energy.
Peace.
This was the last Magic Tree House Adventures session until the school year picks up again in the fall. I now feel that I have a small understanding of how a teacher feels on their last day of school. Going to miss those kids. We didn’t have a crazy 50+ group like in the past few sessions. It was graduation weekend and being a university town, everything is affected by what’s going on with the school. But we did have our tried and true core of 30 kids in attendance.
Off we went to the marvelous and mysterious Ancient Egypt…
Just like in the previous Magic Tree House Adventure sessions, our first activity is “Where Are We? Who Are They?”, a slide show guessing game about the place and time period we’re visiting for the day. We discussed the pyramids, famous pharaohs, the culture, the religion, mummies, tomb raiders, King Tut’s discovery, and so much more. If you’d like the full presentation outline, please feel free to email me.
I have to start by saying this did not go as expected.. but the kids still had fun nonetheless.
We divided the group into teams of 5. 1 person was the mummy, 2 were the mummifiers, and 2 were the excavators. We handed out 2 rolls of toilet paper to each mummifer. With the mummies and the mummifiers in each group standing and the excavators sitting we timed how long it took for the mummifiers to wrap their mummy. The toilet paper was thin and kept tearing, but the kids were laughing and didn’t seem to care. The first group to finishing wrapping their mummy won. Then the excavators/tomb robbers were next. Their job was to see own fast they could unwrap the mummy carefully with as few toilet paper tears as possible.
There were so many inspiring crafts for Ancient Egypt, that my partner”Jack” and I decided to make three, so we set up three rotating craft stations around the room in which the kids had 10 minutes at each station.
Cartouche Creations: There was a cartouche station where the kids learned about how to write their name in hieroglyphics. A co-worker found some awesome Egyptian stamps downstairs that we used as well.
Golden Jewels: We made necklaces of “lapis” and “gold” (my favorite of the crafts) were they strung together spray-painted rigatoni noddles on elastic string. I’m pretty sure all the kids ended up wearing their necklaces around.
Mummy Masks: The third station, was King Tut mask making. We pre-made and cut out the masks by tracing an image of King Tut’s mask from a book and enlarging it onto 11×14 paper using our printer. After the copies were printed, we cut the eyes and shape out. All the kids had to do was color! The below image of King Tutankhamun’s burial mask was left up on the projector from “Where Are We? Who Are They?”, so the kids could use it as a guide. We also encouraged them to color their masks in whichever way inspired them. This idea was inspired by Imagine Explore Create.
The crafts were a big hit! They liked making them so much that they didn’t want to stop when time was up. They finally let up on their crafting when I let their parents in to pick them up. As they were leaving, they were allowed to select as many Ancient Egypt books to check out from a table display in the back.
Among them were a couple books we used for the craft ideas:
The Ancient Egyptians by Fiona McDonald
The Egyptians by Ruth Thomson
As always, along with whatever the kids made that day and library books based on the theme, they also took home their Magic Tree House Adventure Journal. Here’s an abbreviated peak at what’s inside. Continuing the learning and the fun.
5 minutes after the kids were supposed to be released from the session they insisted on staying! We had to invite the parents and caregivers to come in the auditorium to collect their children.
I’ll take that as as sign that they liked it.
Looking forward to continuing the adventures in the fall!
Last week, I came across this article in the Lawrence Journal World about an early abundance of caterpillars this year, which will naturally lead to an abundance of butterflies in the Lawrence area.
It was my inspiration behind last Sunday’s caterpillar and butterfly storytime…
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
A colorful and educational book about the butterfly life cycle.
Butterfly Life Cycle Flannel Board
Adapted from In the Children’s Room
First comes a butterfly and lays an egg And out comes a caterpillar with oh so many legs. See the caterpillar spin and spin, A little chrysalis to sleep in, Now we wait and see, shhh… When out of the cocoon, my oh my, There comes a beautiful butterfly.
The Caterpillow Fight by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Jill Barton
A goofy book about a group of rowdy caterpillars.
Caterpillar, Caterpillar Hand Rhyme
Adapted from Jane Johnson
Caterpillar, Caterpillar brown and furry, (Hold hand out with pointer finger out sideways) Winter’s coming and you’d better hurry. (Move pointer finger in and out) Find a leaf under witch to creep, (Hold out other hand flat like a leaf and move caterpillar linger under it) Spin a chrysalis in which to sleep, (Spin caterpillar pointer finger around leaf hand, then grab caterpillar finger with leaf hand to make a chrysalis) And when warm weather comes your way, (Keep holding caterpillar finger with other hand.) You’ll be a butterfly and fly away! (Lock thumbs and flap hands upward.)
Farfallina & Marcel by Holly Keller
This is such a darling book and the kids really enjoyed it. Had to find extra copies of Farfallina & Marcel for a few families to take home with them that day.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
We ended storytime with everyone’s favorite. I had the kids join in whenever we came to the phrase, “…but he was still hungry!”
We made two very similar butterfly crafts. The first one, tissue paper butterfly rings, I thought might be too girly for the boys, so I also had a magazine butterfly station. I don’t know why I thought that would be less girly than the rings and even so, the boys ended up making the rings after all. Lesson learned.
Materials used for both crafts: Colorful magazines, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, and scissors.
First cut pipe cleaner in half. Save both halves.
Bend one of the pipe cleaner haves into a “v”.
Scrunch a small square or two or three of tissue paper into a bow shape.
Slide bow into pipe cleaner “v”,
Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner a couple times,
And then bend butterfly antennae into desired shape.
Using the other pipe cleaner half for the ring, cut in half again.
Push one of the pieces underneath the bottom of the butterfly.
Wrap into a ring shape.
Voila. Butterfly ring.
Found this craft idea here. The magazine butterfly is very similar to the butterfly ring. Only slightly more difficult.
Tear out colorful magazine pages.
Cut into squares about 5×5 inches.
Fold into thin strips.
Using a full length pipe cleaner, shape into a “v” shape, and twist the bottom twice.
Pinch one or two folded magazine pages in the center and slide into pipe cleaner “v” and twist the pipe cleaner ends together two or three times, securing the wings.
Shape antenna.
image sources: waiting for wings, caterpillow fight, farfallina & marcel, the very hungry catterpillar
When I look back and think about who was the major motivator behind getting me to read when I was young, it was you. A journey that if I remember correctly, wasn’t always a walk in the park. But there were always an abundance of books in our home and the encouragement to nurture whatever our interests may have been with an emphasis on the importance of reading. Now that I’m a mother, I can only hope to be that source of support for my daughter. Now that I work in a library, I can only hope to be that source of support for each child that walks through that door.
I know you’ve been itching for book recommendations lately, (especially after reading The Hunger Games), so this Mother’s Day I put together a few recommendations as a reference for when you’re looking for your next good read. It isn’t much, but I know if I could give you anything that you’d really enjoy… This would be it.
To you:
A Mother’s Day Reading List:
1. The Guensey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Borrows
2. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wells
3. Divergent by: Veronica Roth
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
6. Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt (I stayed up all night reading this book)
7. The Scorpio Races by: Maggie Stiefvater
8. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
9. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
10. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Happy Reading!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Love, Becca
A lot of new picture books seemed to made their way into our regular reading rotation this month, especially the first four listed…
Between Winnie the Pooh and the books below, here’s what we’ve been reading together:
Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
(In robot speech)
You Much Check Out This Book. You Will Love This Book.
Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton
The latest from author of a previous favorite, Little Owl Lost.
One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve
A sweet story about becoming a big brother along with outstanding illustrations by Jessica Meserve.
You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses by Taeeun Yoo
A fun, simple picture book about yoga poses easy enough for the youngest yogis.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rose, Helen Oxenbury
A classic read aloud, perfect for toddler age children.
Cake Cake Cake Pie by Sally Kahler Phillips
Rhythm and rhyme all about cake and pie.
The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! by Mo Willems
Been enjoying Mo Willems latest edition in his Pigeon (and Duckling!) series.
Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Z. Seymour
Independent Ann and her deep affections for the color ‘red’.
Gem by Holly Hobbie
A wordless adventure by the author of Toot and Puddle.
Brian Wildsmith’s Animals to Count by Brian Wildsmith
A simple counting board book we’ve been reading a lot of lately, paired with Brian Wildsmith’s fanciful illustrations.
Duckie’s Rainbow by Frances Barry
We take a walk with Duckie through a world of color on a daily basis.
Ten Apples Up On Top! by Theo LeSieg, illustrated by Ray McKie
What starts with one turns into fun with this ridiculous story about a few cooky animals who like to put apples atop of their heads.
Kangaroos have been an animal of interest in our house lately (prime reason: “Kanga” and “Roo”). This is a fun book about a little joey afraid of everything outside of his pouch.
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
In memory of the late Maurice Sendak, I’ve been reading In the Night Kitchen and Where the Wild Things Are to L. It seems to be the only thing to do… continue to read and celebrate the work of great imagination.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
What have you been reading together?
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
image sources: boy and bot, oh no george, one special day, you are a lion, we’re going on a bear hunt, cake cake cake pie, duckling gets a cookie ann likes red, gem, animals to count, duckie’s rainbow, ten apples up on top, pouch, in the night kitchen, where the wild things are
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.
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.
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
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:
What are you doing to celebrate?
I’d love to know!
image source: CBW poster,
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
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
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.
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.
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,
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.
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”
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:
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
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