NYT Best Illustrated Books of 2009

November 17th, 2009

Earlier this week, the New York Times announced their picks for Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009 — just in time for the holiday season!

Reserve it!

Vroom Vroom!

November 11th, 2009

Kids won’t sit still?  These fun action rhymes will entertain them.

Twinkle, Twinkle Traffic Light (tune:  Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Twinkle, twinkle traffic light, (open & close hands)
Standing at the corner bright. (rest elbow on opposite arm)
Red means stop (palm out), green means go, (wave hands)
Yellow means to drive real slow. (pretend to steer car)
Twinkle, twinkle traffic light, (open & close hands)
Standing at the corner bright. (rest elbow on opposite arm)

 

C-A-R (tune:  Bingo)
I have a bright red shiny car, I’m driving it today-o!
C-A-R, beep beep!  C-A-R, beep beep!  C-A-R, beep beep!
I’m driving it today-o!
(repeat 3 times with claps for the letters)

More books about cars, trucks, and things that go!  And don’t forget to join us every Saturday morning at 11:00 for Saturday Tales!

Early Literacy Tip: Best Books for Print Motivation

November 4th, 2009

It’s never too early to read with your kids!  Current research shows that there are six pre-reading skills that get children ready to read: print motivation, vocabulary, print awareness, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, and narrative skills.  Starting from birth, simple every day activites can enhance these skills.

Print motivation, a child’s interest in and enjoyment of books, is the easiest to work on.  Any time you have fun reading with your child, you’re developing your child’s print motivation.  Pop-ups, lift-the-flap, and touch and feel books are so much fun, your child won’t even know reading is good for them!

Check out our Born to Read page to learn more about early literacy!

Biographies Kids Will Want to Read!

October 26th, 2009

Seems like every year one teacher or another gives a biography assignment.  If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly biography, look no further.

Reserve it!

More biographies for kids! Or, if you need to write a report on a person of interest, check out our Biographies explore guide to get started on your research!

Best Scary Books for Bigger Kids

October 20th, 2009

So your little ones loved the Not-Too-Scary books, and now your school age kids want something that will raise the hair on the backs of their necks?  We’ve got just what you’re looking for!

More ghost stories, haunted houses, and recommendations from Miss Susan!

Best Not-Too-Scary Picture Books

October 14th, 2009

It’s that time of year — ghosts and goblins will soon be trolling our streets looking for treats.  Get the kids in the mood with these fun books guarunteed NOT to keep them up all night!

Complement your reading by really getting into character with this fun action rhyme!

Monsters Galore!
Monsters galore, can you roar?  (roar)
Monsters galore, can you soar?  (flying motion)
Monsters galore, please shut the door.  (clap hands once)
Monsters galore, fall on the floor!  (fall down)

Come to Saturday Tales October 17 at 11:00 for more Silly Monster fun with Miss Lisa!

Bedtime blues

October 7th, 2009

Is bedtime a constant struggle?  Reading a few books before bed is a great way to get the kiddies calm and ready for slumber.

More great bedtime books!

And if you’re still fighting the good fight, these books for grownups will give you some tips to get your child to bed once and for all!

More help getting your child to sleep!

Cloudy with a chance of weird weather

September 30th, 2009

We know you loved the movie, now use it to introduce the kids to weird weather facts and fun experiments.  Check out these books to get you started:

     

Find more meteorology books for kids!

Worth 1,000 Words

August 28th, 2009

Here are a few picture books with beautiful illustrations. Oh, and the stories are good too!

Or check out some of our other new picture books.

Comic Relief

August 28th, 2009

Need some comic relief? Try these!

Or check out our full collection of graphic novels for kids. Warning: These books might attract adults!