Sturdy for Common Things

Chinese New Year Storytime

新年快樂

Happy Chinese New Year!

The most important Chinese holiday for the year, the Lunar New Year, started yesterday and will go on for the next 15 days. I have an extreme fondness of Chinese holidays and have many Chinese parents and families that regularly attend Sunday storytime, so having a Chinese New Year storytime is a must. Lily, a friend and parent who often brings her daughter to programs, was my special guest. She read the Chinese translation of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt while I read the English to the kids. It was so much fun!

This particular storytime was also the first storytime since the library’s move into a new building. What better way to break in the new library than by celebrating the New Lunar Year? New year, new library!

Here’s what we read and crafted to celebrate…

Chinese New Year Storytime Lineup:

Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin

Grace Lin does an excellent job with this book and her other picture books of introducing Chinese culture, customs, and holidays to young children. Bright illustrations and a simple, yet entertaining story teaches children how to bring in the New Year.

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Anne Wilson

A fun folk story paired with unique illustrations, The Great Race is a storytime winner. The kids and I discussed how this year is the Year of the Snake, and how this story is how it came to be that there are 12 years named after 12 different animals. After storytime, I handed out a Chinese zodiac chart so they could find what year they were born into.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Chinese & English edition) by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxembury

Okay, so this was my favorite part of storytime. As I mentioned earlier, I had a wonderful volunteer, Lily, read with me the Chinese translation of a story most of the children were already familar with, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Here’s a short video my husband took of us reading:

Paper Lantern Craft:

I know paper lanterns are pretty much the go-to Chinese New Year craft. It’s not my most original storytime craft, especially compared to last year, but they turned out swell nonetheless. They also fulfilled a teaching moment since lanterns play an important part in the Chinese New Year. On the 15th day, the last day, of the New Year celebration is the Lantern Festival. Thousands of lanterns are hung around the city or town and families parade the streets with their own stick lanterns. Additionally, red and yellow are believed to be lucky colors, so we made our lanterns in the staple New Year color palette of red, yellow, and gold.

Here’s how we made our paper lanterns:

Materials used:

• red and yellow paper or construction paper
• school glue
• tape
• scissors
• glitter
• tassels (found at a craft store)

Using a piece of yellow paper, I rolled the short sides of the paper into a cylinder so that the ends overlap by a 1/2 inch. Tape together and set it aside. (Note: You can also substitute glue for tape within these steps.)

Take a piece of red paper and fold it length-wise (hot dog way). On the folded edge, cut slits equal in length and size, but do not cut all the way to the open end. Be sure to leave at least a 1/4 inch at the end of each cut. These first two steps I prepared ahead of time for the younger kids. I left sheets of paper out for the older kids who have no problem using scissors, so they could accomplish the above steps on their own.

Unfold your red sheet of paper and decorate. The kids decorated their lanterns with markers and later with glitter.

Using your rolled yellow sheet of paper, wrap the red, opened piece of paper around the yellow. Secure by taping the red ends together and by also taping the red paper to the yellow paper.

 

If you’d like, decorate your lantern with glue and glitter at this time. I can’t help myself when it comes to glitter, so I decorated mine with glittery-gold sparkles. Let dry.

To make a handle and a tassel bottom on your lanter, cut out two strips of paper and cut one of the strips in half. (This is another step I did ahead of time for the younger kids)

Using the longer strip, fasten both ends to the inside of the lantern using tape.

Using the shorter strip of paper, loop your tassel onto it, and then fasten the ends of the strip to the bottom inside of the lantern with tape.

Hang and enjoy! This year, the Lantern Festival is on February 24, 2013.

Additional Reading:

Moonbeams, Dumplings, & Dragon Boats by Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz, & The Children’s Museum, Boston, illustrated by Meilo So

A great deal of information I gathered for this particular storytime, as well as the inspiration behind the lantern craft above, came from this book, Moonbeams Dumplings, & Dragon Boats. A fantastic guide of ancient folklore, facts, activities, crafts, and recipes for celebrating Chinese festivals throughout the year. And Meilo So’s illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend checking it out.

image source: lantern festival illustration by meilo so

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Find it at: Your library | Amazon | IndieBound

Published: Dutton Juvenile  (January 10, 2012)

Recommended Reading Age: 14 & up

In a nutshell: One of my reading goals for 2013 was to read more YA fiction, so I started out full speed with the heavy-hitter of 2012– The Fault in Our Stars. And boy, does it hit you. Like a book in the face. I haven’t cried that much reading a book since See You at Harry’s. I knew it was going to be that way. After countless recommendations from teachers who visit the library, and after my husband read it… the tears were inevitable. John Green gets under your skin.

Alright (cracks knuckles), here we go.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is a 16-year-old stage IV cancer survivor and things for her are looking anything but up. Between reading her favorite novel, “An Imperial Affliction”,  again, watching American’s Next Top Model, trying to catch her breath with her extremely weak lungs — her circumstances isolate her from any chance of having a normal teenage life. And her situation as a three year survivor, teetering a fine line between healthy and sick, may never get better.

Hazel’s mother gently forces her to attend a youth cancer support group she dreads going to. Between the annoying group leader, Patrick, the sob stories, and the disappearance of members due to passing into life eternal, it’s no wonder Hazel is as depressed as she is. That is until the day Augustus Waters showed up. Augustus (Gus), a cancer survivor himself who lost his leg to osteosarcomais, is there to support his best friend, Issac, who will soon go blind. Intrigued by Hazel, he approaches her the moment the group ends their meeting and invites her to his house to watch a movie. And so their star-crossed relationship begins.

After sharing ‘An Imperial Affliction ‘and her obsession with getting in contact with the author, Peter Van Houten, with Augustus, he decides to use the wish he never used from the “Genie Wish Foundation” (think Make a Wish Foundation) to fly both of them out along with Hazel’s mother to Amsterdam to meet the recluse Van Houton.

Okay, here is where my nerdiness comes out. I love (other than that whole love at first sight situation at the cancer support group) that reading is what brought Hazel and Gus together at first. The sharing of their favorite, most cherished books, which I find a very intimate glimpse into someone’s perspective.  It was the topic of their early conversations, and the driving force of evolution for their relationship.

I found John Green’s much hyped book, The Fault in Our Stars, honest and funny and heartbreaking. I thought I would be let down after all the positive attention it has received over the past year, but that didn’t end up affecting me. Instead, it left me with scattered clumps of moist tissues and a half-eaten gallon of cookie dough ice cream as I turned the last page in the late hours of the night.

Don’t take my word for it: “Green has a fantastic ability to create real characters you can connect with. Other readers have suggested taking on this book when you’re alone with a box of tissues – as those around you may give you strange looks, confused as to whether you’re laughing out loud or crying. You’ll fall in love with these characters, laugh with them and never want to let them go.” – review from Beyond the Bookend

Trailer:

Source of the book reviewed: Purchased fair and square from Lawrence’s local bookstore, The Raven.

Throwback Thursday: Blue Moose

Blue Moose

by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

Find it at: Your library | Amazon

Published: Dodd, Mead, & Company 1975

As you may or may not know, L’s favorite animal (at least for now) is a moose. So when I spotted this old Daniel Manus Pinkwater title for a $1 at our library’s local book sale it was a must buy.

Arguably most famous for his picture book, The Big Orange Splot, Mr. Pinkwater’s silly stories and simple illustrations have charmed readers for decades. Blue Moose, perfect for newly independent readers, takes place at the edge of the woods, in place far, far north, at Mr. Breton’s restaurant. This short poem starts the story:

The moose is blue,

Your wish will come true.

The main character, Mr. Breton, is a very good cook. People from the town come to his restaurant for his famous clam chowder and homemade bread, but during their visit never spoke a word as to whether or not they enjoyed his food. This troubled Mr. Benton. But one morning a moose, a blue moose to be specific, appeared in front of Mr. Breton’s yard. Mr. Breton tried to shoo the moose away, but he would not budge. Instead, the moose asked to come inside to get warm.

 When inside, Mr. Breton offered the moose a bowl of his clam chowder. The moose slurped it up exclaiming how wonderful it was, which in turn made Mr. Breton very happy. Later that day, a few customers arrived while Mr. Breton was cooking, so the moose decided to seat them and wait on them, carrying their orders of clam chowder from his antlers. The guests were at first shocked, but then began to enjoy the moose’s table services while also complimenting the chef. Soon, word got out around town about the moose waiter as well as Mr. Breton’s top notch cooking.

And so the story of friendship between Mr. Breton and the moose began. But once the game warden hears of Mr. Breton’s famous moose, he intends to uphold the law of Section 5 –Subheading 6– Paragraph 3: That no person shall keep a moose as a pet”, and their friendship is in jeopardy of being short-lived.

The most interesting character, in my opinion, is the brief appearance of Dave the hermit. Later in the story, the moose brings Dave, who was dressed in rabbit skins, shoes made of bark and moss, and an owl atop his head, home to Mr. Breton’s one evening.

“Dave is very shy”, the moose said. “He would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to him until he knows you better, maybe in ten or fifteen years.”

Even though words aren’t spoken, Dave (and his owl) become fast friends of Mr. Breton. A fun and lovable story with bits of nonsense in the mix, Blue Moose is a delightful and truly one-of-a-kind.

Found it: At The Friends of the Lawrence Public Library book sale.

Chickadee

Chickadee

by Louise Erdrich

Find it at: Your library | Amazon | IndieBound

Published: HarperCollins (August 21, 2012)

Recommend Reading Age: 8 & up

In a nutshell: I have not yet had the privilege to read all the books of Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark House Series, but I did have the pleasure of reading the series’ latest installment, Chickadee. Cover to cover. In one sitting. Can’t remember the last time that happened.

It’s 1866 on the homeland of the Dakota People, Chickadee and Makoons (little bear) are twins of the Ojibwe tribe named after their namesakes who protected them after birth. After being made fun of by the tribe’s grumpy old man, Zhigaag, for having a “weak name”, Chickadee feels ashamed and wishes he had a name better fit for the mighty warrior he hopes to become. To avenge Chickadee’s honor, Makoons plays a trick on the old man in his sleep, a prank which in turn makes Zhigaag the laughing stock of the tribe. But when Zhigaag’s big, boorish, and dimwitted sons learn of Makoons’ little trick, they devise a plan hoping to have the last laugh.

What I loved most about this book was that I felt transported back in time to 1866 on the Great Plains. Erdrich’s lush description and immersion in Ojibwe story were delicately woven together in a historical novel for children that draws no comparison. Cross my heart. It’s beautiful.

And it’s under the extreme circumstance Chickadee is faced with that he eventually finds he has more power within him than he original thought a boy with a Chickadee namesake had. A story of family, hope, and truth, Chickadee touched my heart and had me rooting for him until the very end.

Don’t take my word for it: “In “Chickadee”, Erdrich has written a richly detailed tale of survival and family that will delight and entice readers both young and old… the entire series is a delight and should not be missed.” – review from Lost in a Great Book

Source of the book reviewed: my local library!

Reading Together

***Reading Together is a sampling of books I’m currently reading aloud to L, my toddler daughter. Since I work in the children’s room of a public library, 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.***

Have quite a few new books in the latest round-up of what we’re reading together. L and I have been on the mend from an awful cold, and between sleeping and watching the same Tinker Bell movie that’s been looping for days, the remaining time was mostly devoted to reading. Below is an abbreviated list of our choice picks for the month.

As always, I’d love to hear what books you’re reading together at home with your family!

Now for the February list:

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

A wordless, lift-the-flap picture book that first reminded me of the beloved Fantasia short when the crocodile and the hippo dance together. Except, this is far sweeter as a little girl tries to mimic a flamingo’s finesse.

Up, Tall and High by Ethan Long

L loves this book! A simple lift-the-flap with screwball humor that also was the prized winner of the Giesel Award this year.

How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure

How do we love Nikki McClure? Let me count the ways (here and here). Nikki McClure was at ALA Midwinter signing books in the Abrams booth, so I couldn’t not grab her latest about a little kitten learning how to be a cat. This delightful book will be available to purchase March 12, 2013.

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure

I also bought an old favorite by Nikki McClure while in Seattle. This one has us daydreaming of strawberries and sunshine.

The Swing poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Julie Morstad

My new favorite illustrator. Retro-like illustrations a la (or à la) Mary Blair (my all-time favorite illustrator) with a modern twist. Her books are charming and beautiful. I’m going to do a full review of her latest, How To, (which we also love, love, love) in the very near future.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

One of my husband’s most loved picture books from childhood, we’ve been reading this one quite a bit and also enjoying this short animated movie.

Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Fritz Siebel

Did you read Amelia Bedelia growing up? I certainly did. HarperCollins has created this beautiful 50th anniversary edition that I’ve been reading with L since returning home from ALA Midwinter.

Inch and Rolly Make a Wish by Melissa Wiley, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

A new friends duo for the beginning reader, we can’t get enough of Inch and Roly and their buggy friends! In Inch and Roly Make a Wish, Inch and Roly, along with their friends Beetle and Dragonfly, are very bored one day, so they decide to go to the wishing well and wish something to do. A darling book for the beginner reader and/or read aloud bedtime story.

Penny and Her Doll by Kevin Henkes

We got into the Penny books a little late in the game. This is L’s favorite of the two currently in rotation. Penny received a new doll from Gram in the mail, but she just doesn’t know what to name her. Looking forward Penny and Her Marble out this month!

Wemberly’s Ice-Cream Star by Kevin Henkes

Another Kevin Henkes book! This one is a darling board book format based off of his popular book, Wemberly Worried.

Goosey Goose by Chris Raschka

Another blog post book review sneak peak! L is head-over-heels for Chris Raschka’s bizarre easy readers series Thingy Things. I stumbled upon them the other night at the library and ever since I’ve been on the lookout for a used box set of Thingy Things books (now out of print).

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

A classic! I checked this book out last year for L, but she was disinterested in it at the time. Now, she’s all about the paper bag princess. A Not-your-average-princess-story where the princess ends up saving herself from a terrifying dragon.

Best Friends in Fairyland by Daisy Meadows

L was always picking up the Rainbow Fairies books at the library, but when we checked them out had a hard time sitting and listening to them. But she’s a big fan of the new easy readers books which are just the right length for her.

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, illustrated by Andy Robert Davies

A picture book guessing game perfect for preschool-age children. Articles of clothing or a uniform hang on the line, and the reader is asked who might wear those clothes in a sing-song fashion, turn the page and the person is revealed! A mail carrier, carpenter, cook, and even an astronaut are among the many occupations depicted.

Red Cat, Blue Cat by Jenni Desmond

An endearing story of two kitty rivals who secretly admire one another. On the down-low, they try their hardest to make themselves into the color of their foe. Jenni Desmond’s illustrations are irresistible.

Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex

When I first read Chu’s Day my reaction was, “Well… Okay?” I didn’t quite get it. The first time I read it to L, her she reacted by laughing. Neil Gaiman, in all his genius,  gets it. He gets his readers. And me with my adult brain, just didn’t get it the first time around. I now share the laughs with L when we read this short, richly colored book, with a strong gust of hilarity.

What are you reading together? Please share!