Truffula Trees are what everyone needs!

Since the latest animated adaptation of a Dr. Seuss book is in theaters, now is a great time to create truffula trees with a young reader to excite them about Dr. Seuss and reading. This craft features truffula trees depicted in the book and requires clay, striped pipe cleaners, glue, scissors, and pom-poms.

During the craft, take the opportunity to have a conversation about the illustrations and the plot. Following the craft, ask the child if there are truffula trees in other Dr. Seuss books to encourage the child to seek out additional books by Dr. Seuss for further reading.

Lessons and Values in Stories

For centuries, family members have been telling stories. While people tell stories for a myriad of reasons, many tales reflect the wisdom of those that have come before us and serve to teach valuable lessons. Stories are a great way to share important values in an entertaining, often poignant way.

During our experience of looking for new books to share during our story times Library Staff have discovered some books that illuminate important truths while providing interesting plots and delightful illustrations. Here’s a list of books and possible lessons to be learned that you can share with your family:

  • The Honest-To-Goodness Truth by Patricia C. McKissack – telling the truth with kindness
  • Precious and Boo Hag by Patricia C. McKissack – the importance of obeying parents and using one’s wits

***Patricia McKissack will be visiting the Schlafly Branch Library on April 26th at 7 p.m. talking about her life and books.***

  • Mr. Peabody’s Apples, Loren Long and Madonna’s version of an old tale– making assumptions and spreading rumors can be hurtful
  • The Hungry Coat: A Tale from Turkey by Demi – the importance of not judging people by appearances
  • A Pride of African Tales by Donna L. Washington offers a plethora of valuable lessons including the importance of being careful of what you say, especially to loved ones.

Talk with the staff at your local library about other titles and themes that interest you and your family.

This week at the St. Louis Public Library (March 25-31, 2012)

Join us for stories, crafts, movies, and more!

Baden Branch

  • 3/26    10-10:45 a.m: Storytime: Stories, songs, & more. Preschool
  • 3/27    3:30-5:30 p.m: Game Time: Enjoy a favorite board game or learn a new one. Families
  • 3/28    4-6 p.m: Movie: Rango. Grades K-5, families

Barr Branch

  • 3/26    11-11:30 a.m: Storytime: Stories, songs, and more. Toddler, Preschool Groups of 5 or more please register in advance.

Buder Branch

  • 3/28    10:30-11 a.m: Storytime: stories, songs, and more. Preschool                Groups of 5 or more please register in advance.
  • 3/29    10:30-11 a.m: Storytime: stories, songs, and more. Preschool  Groups of 5 or more please register in advance.

Carpenter Branch

  • 3/26    4-5 p.m: Magic Monday: Learn a new magic trick. Grades 4-12
  • 3/27    4:30-5:30 p.m: Paws for Reading: A dog and volunteer from Support Dogs Inc. will visit Carpenter Branch every Tuesday until the end of April. Reading to the dog gives children practice reading aloud. An incentive program provides rewards for each reading milestone. Read 60 minutes and earn a book for your home library. For details, call 314.206.6779.

Julia Davis Branch

  • 3/30    3-4 p.m: Storytime: For you, for me, for later. Preschool/families

Kingshighway Branch

  • 3/26    10:30-11 a.m: Storytime: Songs, stories, and more. Toddler, Preschool Groups of 5 or more please register in advance.
  • 3/28    4-5 p.m: Endangered Animal Quilt: Piece squares of a paper quilt for display in the Branch. Grades 4-8  Groups of 5 or more register in advance.

Walnut Park

  • 3/26    9 a.m.-6 p.m: Women’s History Month Trivia: In honor of Women’s History Month, through the month of March there will be a trivia question each week about an influential woman in American history. You will have until Friday of each week to turn in your answers. Grades K-12
  • 3/28    4-5 p.m: Wacky Wednesday. Grades K-12
  • 3/31    4-6 p.m: Movie: Cars 2. Families

Blooming Bouquets!

With spring just around the corner this easy craft is perfect for storytimes, Mother’s Day gifts or just a way to brighten up your surroundings. The only supplies you need are craft sticks, construction paper, crayons/markers, glue and creativity!

  • cut out flower blossom shapes from construction paper.
  • Layer them, color them with crayons/markers, or use glitter glue to really make them pop!
  • color craft sticks with a green marker or crayon to make a stem
  • glue the flower to the stem and allow to dry
  • Fill a vase with them to brighten up a room or give them away as gifts

Featured Author: Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers is an author originally from Northern Ireland and is currently living in Brooklyn.  He has written and illustrated seven books so far including his latest, Stuck.  His picture books feature bright illustrations that help tell the story as much as the words on the page.  Many of his books include humorous plots and unexpected endings that will captivate young children.  Readers in preschool and children as old as third grade will enjoy the amusing stories and the gorgeously painted illustrations by Jeffers.