“Books & Badges” took place at Divoll for the first time in November. Area officers with St. Louis Metropolitan Police came to the branch, dropping in between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, to read, play, and interact with the Divoll’s youngest patrons. This is set to become a monthly event for the branch, with officers visiting again in December. Call Divoll Branch at 314-534-0313 for more information about this exciting new program!
Visit Machacek Branch on December 1st at 4pm to create your very own jolly snow person! This program is for kids in grades K-5.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and that means it’s time for families, fun and . . . food! Here are a few books to get your taste buds ready while you’re waiting for that turkey to finish cooking. Happy Thanksgiving!
Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio
Egg loves Bacon. Lettuce loves Bacon. Waffle loves Bacon. Bacon is sizzling with popularity. And pretty much everyone thinks he is the best. That is-until Bacon’s fame goes to his head. He’s so busy soaking up the attention, that he soon forgets the important things in life, like friendship and family. How will it all pan out for our dashing, delicious hero?
How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green Beans by David LaRochelle
They’re mean. They’re green. They’re the baddest beans around. ‘Green beans are good for you. Green beans will make you big and strong.’ Martha doesn’t believe what her parents tell her. And nothing will ever – ever – make her eat them. But when some beady-eyed, boot stomping beans bust into town and start causing trouble, Martha knows she has to take action against this gang of outlaws, cutthroats, and desperadoes. She can think of only one way to stop the villainous veggies, and it’s not pretty . . . or tasty. Even the pickiest of eaters will be unable to resist this deliciously ridiculous tale of how Martha saved her parents – and the world – from green beans.
Pickin’ Peas by Margaret Read MacDonald
Pickin peas. Land on my knees! sings a pesky rabbit as he merrily eats his way through the pea patch Little Girl has planted. But when Little Girl snatches him up and takes him home to put in a box until pea season is over, the rabbit is soon singing a new tune as he plans his escape. With a nod to Brer Rabbit, Pickin Peas is based on two folktales collected in Alabama and Virginia at the end of the last century. The lively storytelling voice of Margaret Read MacDonald, matched with Pat Cummingss bright, bold pictures, makes this funny battle-of-wits tale perfect to tell out loud, letting everyone share in the fun of chanting its rhymic refrain!
June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner
The lively imagination of Caldecott medalist David Wiesner forecasts astounding goings-on for a Tuesday in the not too distant future — an occurrence of gigantic vegetal proportions.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen
How does a dinosaur eat all his food? Does he burp, does he belch, or make noises quite rude? Does he pick at his cereal, throw down his cup,hoping to make someone else pick it up? Just like kids, dinosaurs have a difficult time learning to behave at the table. However, with a little help from Mom and Dad, these young dinosaurs eat all before them with smiles and goodwill. As in their previous books, Yolen and Teague capture children’s rambunctious natures with playful read-aloud verse and wonderfully amusing pictures.
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid , The Worst Class Trip Ever , and the Tapper Twins series “will revolt and delight” in How to Eat Fried Worms . Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. The worms are supplied by his opponent, whose motto is “The bigger and juicier, the better!” At first Billy’s problem is whether or not he can swallow the worm placed before him, even with a choice of condiments from peanut butter to horseradish. But later it looks as if Billy will win, and the challenge becomes getting to the worm to eat it. Billy’s family, after checking with the doctor, takes everything in stride. They even help Billy through his gastronomic ordeal, which twists and turns with each new day, leaving the outcome of the bet continually in doubt.
Ms. LaGrange is Strange by Dan Gutman
Something weird is going on! Ms. LaGrange talks funny, and she’s from some other country called France! She thinks the vomitorium is a fancy restaurant! Plus she’s writing secret messages in the mashed potatoes. Ms. LaGrange is the weirdest lunch lady in the history of the world!
The Story Behind Chocolate by Sean Stewart Price
What is the ‘food of the gods’? How did Aztecs make their chocolate foamy? When were chocolate chip cookies invented? To uncover the hidden facts behind everyday things, explore the secrets of True Stories. True Stories reveals the surprising truth about a range of subjects. Discover everything you could wish to know, and some things you’ll wish you didn’t, about a huge range of topics!
It’s Disgusting—and We Ate It!: True Food Facts From Around the World and Throughout History by James Solheim
How about a nice dish of Colonial Squirrel Pie with a side of milkweed shoots? If that doesn’t grab you, you might think about trying some Garbage Stew, just like they made in medieval England. But if you’re feeling a little tired and need a boost, your best bet is roasted spiders. They’ve got three times the protein of cooked beef. (Is your mouth watering yet?) Illustrated by the wildly-creative Eric Brace, It’s Disgusting — and We Ate It! is a fascinating look at culinary creations from all over the world!
Weird but True! Food: 300 Bite-Sized Facts about Incredible Edibles! by Rebecca Baines
This latest addition to the crazy popular Weird but True series serves up tons more zany fun, focused totally on the subject of food! A Step up to the plate to get 100 percent new content, with 300 more of the amazing facts plus photos that kids just can’t get enough of.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Thanksgiving crafts out there. In keeping with the food theme, this is one of my favorites. It’s easy to make and always turns out very cute! Instructions courtesy of The Party Animal.
When everyone had enough turkey, here’s some upbeat tales to get you past Black Friday.
Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly Dipucchio. Bacon is a celebrity superstar, loved by all. But his popularity tempts him to abandon his friends in favor of his adoring fans. But one fan with eager human hands brings about his tragic, yet delicious end. This clever critique of fame comes with loads of cuteness and humor. 
Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, uses fun rhymes to tell this super active breakfast tale. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast race through the fridge for the Last Drop of Maple Syrup. They develop quite a rivalry as they race past the Broccoli Forest and the Orange Juice Fountain. But in the end, they discover that working together is the secret to success.
Runaway Dinner by Alan Ahlberg. A boy named Banjo sits down to each his meal, when his sausage hops up and runs out the front door! Banjo chases after him, and soon everything else is running, too, from the forks and spoons, to the peas and juice! The entire chase winds up in a park where the food items gets lost, not eaten, and Banjo and his family leisurely stroll back home.
On October 28th, Reading Pays author, Ingrid Law, entertained audiences at Woerner Elementary and St. Margaret of Scotland School:
Reading Pays — Pass it On may have ended in October, but it’s not too late to get in on the fun! Visit your favorite library to check out a copy of Savvy or its sequels Scumble and Switch. Keep an eye on the blog, or SLPL’s website for the announcement of our upcoming Spring 2016 Reading Pays book!
As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds turn to all the things we are thankful for. There are so many good books that cover this wonderful topic. It’s easy to see that there are so many things to be thankful for. To get into the thankful spirit, here are a few good reads that you can share with those you love!
Gracias = Thanks by Pat Mora
In a series of poetic sentences, a young multiracial boy tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. Pat Mora is a bilingual author with a special focus on children’s literature.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
For as long as anyone can remember, Mohawk parents have taught their children to start each day by giving thanks to Mother Earth. The Good Morning address, also known as the Thanksgiving address, is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift, and as such the whole universe should be addressed as one great family.
Thank You, World by Alice B. McGinty
Thank you, breeze, for lifting up my kite wings past treetops tall and proud. Thank you, trees. Your branches are my playhouse. I’m climbing to the clouds! Eight very different kids, from eight different continents, all go about their day and experience the same moments of happiness: greeting the sun in the morning, swinging on a swing, flying a kite, being tucked in by Mommy at bedtime. Uplifting and visually rich, this book reminds us that the world isn’t as large as it seems, and that life’s greatest pleasures are the simple ones.
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
Little Trisha is overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But when she looks at a book, all the letters and numbers just get jumbled up. Her classmates make matters worse by calling her ‘dummy.’ Only Mr. Falker, a stylish, fun-loving new teacher, recognizes Trisha’s incredible artistic ability and her problem, and takes the time to lead her finally and happily to the magic of reading.This autobiographical story is close to author Patricia Polacco’s heart. It is her personal song of thanks to teachers like Mr. Falker, who quietly but surely change the lives of the children they teach.
Thank you, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
From the author of Speak and Fever 1793, comes the never-before-told tale of Sarah Josepha Hale, the extraordinary “lady editor” who made Thanksgiving a national holiday! Thanksgiving might have started with a jubilant feast on Plymouth’s shore. But by the 1800s America’s observance was waning. None of the presidents nor Congress sought to revive the holiday. And so one invincible “lady editor” name Sarah Hale took it upon herself to rewrite the recipe for Thanksgiving as we know it today. This is an inspirational, historical, all-out boisterous tale about perseverance and belief: In 1863 Hale’s thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday. This story is a tribute to Hale, her fellow campaigners, and to the amendable government that affords citizens the power to make the world a better place!
One good way to show someone you’re thankful is by letting them know. And what a better way than to make this cute and wordy “Thankful Pumpkin” craft? Instructions courtesy of The Moffatt Girls.
Puppeteers –amateurs, professionals, children and adults– will gather at Buder Library Saturday November 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.
At 10:30 Tom Bonham Puppet and Marionette Productions will perform “90 Second Puppet Stories” using over 45 puppets in just 45 minutes. He performs with rod, hand, and muppet(TM)-style puppets, and, with string puppets (marionettes). Tom has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and tours through the Missouri Arts Council.
At 11:15 Michelle and Stan Gulick, founders of the Peppy Puppet Troupe, will present a puppet design workshop. Participants will take home their own Jabberwocky puppet.
Inexpensive puppets will also be available for purchase throughout the morning. Puppetfest is organized by the St. Louis Puppet Guild with funding from the Regional Arts Council.
Take a look at all the fun participants had at past Puppetfests in 2014 and 2013!
Puppetfest 2013 with Papa and Jackie Wright
Puppet-making workshop led by Ginny Weiss in 2014
Last month, ghouls and goblins descended on Divoll branch to celebrate Halloween! The holiday party featured games, treats, masks and tons of spooktacular fun.
Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day! This holiday honors people who have served in the US Armed Forces and also marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. The following books feature the children of military personnel:
Madeline Delilah: Extraordinarily Ordinary by Mariah L. Richardson, illustrated by Dayne Sislen
Madeline Delilah has misplaced the bracelet Momma gave to her before she deployed to the Middle East. She’s searched the whole neighborhood and she must find it before the 4th of July or there will be consequences.
Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins, illustrated by James Proimos
Suzy spends her year in first grade waiting for her father, who is serving in Vietnam, and when the postcards stop coming she worries that he will never make it home.
Coming Home by Greg Ruth
Follows the emotions of a young boy as he waits at an airport for a family member to return home from serving in the military.
Dear Baby, I’m Watching Over You by Carol Casey, illustrated by Mark Braught
A tender letter from parents in the armed forces to their children about all the ways they remain connected while apart and why they choose to serve their country.
Stars Above Us by Geoffrey Norman, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
A little girl’s father helps her get over her fear of the dark before he goes off to war, and she uses the stars they painted on her ceiling to remind her of him while he is away.
Make a sweet “Thanks for Being a Lifesaver” treat to share with a veteran! Instructions courtesy of Somewhat Simple.
November is Native American Heritage Month; celebrate the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans by reading some of these books in November, or anytime!
Whale Snow by Debby Dahl Edwardson, illustrated by Annie Patterson
At the first whaling feast of the season, a young Inupiat boy learns about the importance of the bowhead whale to his people and their culture. Includes facts about the Inupiat and the bowhead whale.
Kamik: an Inuit Puppy Story by Donald Uluadluak, llustrated by Qin Leng
Inspired by the real-life recollections of an elder from Arviat, Nunavut, this book lovingly recreates the traditional dog-rearing practices that prevailed when Inuit relied on dogs for transportation and survival.
Crossing Bok Chitto: a Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges
In the 1800s, a Choctaw girl becomes friends with a slave boy from a plantation across the great river, and when she learns that his family is in trouble, she helps them cross to freedom.
Rabbit’s Snow Dance: a Traditional Iroquois Story as told by James & Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Jeff Newman
A long-tailed rabbit who wants a nibble of the highest, tastiest leaves uses his special snow song in the summertime, despite the protests of the other animals.
Chickadee by Louise Erdrich
In 1866, Omakayas’s son Chickadee is kidnapped by two ne’er-do-well brothers from his own tribe and must make a daring escape, forge unlikely friendships, and set out on an exciting and dangerous journey to get back home.
How I Became a Ghost: a Choctaw Trail of Tears Story by Tim Tingle
A Choctaw boy tells the story of his tribe’s removal from the only land its people had ever known, and how their journey to Oklahoma led him to become a ghost — one with the ability to help those he left behind.
St Louis Public Library Parents 