Back to School

August is here and for families city-wide, that means one thing – it’s time to head back to school. For many kids (and maybe some parents, too) heading back to class or starting school for the very first time can stir up a lot of feelings. Whether you’re relieved and excited or nervous or scared, these back to school books will get everyone ready to start the school year on the right foot!

Kindergarten Cat by J. Patrick Lewis
When the school janitor finds a kitten on the playground, scared and shivering, there’s only one place he knows it’s meant to be – in the kindergarten classroom! The kids in the class are quick to explore whether or not the little cat is ready for kindergarten, sharing their knowledge of letters and sharing with the new class pet. Though there’s a lot to learn in kindergarten, soon Tinker Toy, the kindergarten cat, fits right in, realizing that there’s no place it would rather call home than this class of friendly kindergarteners.

Ruby’s School Walk by Kathryn White
“I must be brave, I must be strong.” Ruby repeats this mantra to herself every day on the way to school with her mother. On her way she encounters a rushing river filled with crocodiles – or maybe it’s just logs and fish in a stream. Ruby’s imagination continues to run wild, as she bravely battles her way bats and witches, a tiger, and a deep, dark forest, all on her way to school – the thing she might just fear most of all. But if she can take on all of those scary obstacles, surely saying goodbye to her mom will be no challenge at all for such a strong, brave girl.

Smelly Locker: Silly Dilly School Songs by Alan Katz
Back to school has never been funnier than in these school-themed songs, set to familiar tunes. Just try reading this book without breaking out in song yourself! With subjects varying from heavy backpacks to passing notes, and even school vacation, there’s something silly for every student. Great to read aloud, this book is a great way to help even the most reluctant student beat the back-to-school blues.

Monsters Love School by Mike Austin
Everyone knows that monsters love adventures, so summertime is great! But, did you also know that monsters love to take on the biggest adventure of all – school? When this colorful crew of monster friends has to head back to school, all of them are so excited. All of them except one, of course, Blue. More nervous than all of his monstrous friends, Blue doesn’t know why they have to head back to school. With worries about lunchtime, making friends, and learning all there is to learn, Blue isn’t sure he’s ready for this challenge, but by the end of the day, he might just change his mind!

Ally-Saurus & the First Day of School by Richard Torrey
Posters, pajamas, pants – everything Ally owns is covered in her favorite thing: dinosaurs. On her first day of school, little Ally-saurus (as she prefers to be called) is hoping to meet other dinosaurs in her class. But when she gets to school, Ally finds that not everyone loves dinosaurs as much as she does. With other kids more interested in space adventures or playing princess, Ally is faced with the fact that not everyone loves the same things. Can she still make friends? Of course she can! And maybe she’ll find that dinosaurs aren’t the only thing she loves, while she’s at it.

Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio 
Charlie does not want to go back to school this year. He’s so tired of school, in fact, that the night before his first day of class, he wishes that he was a dog, like his pet Norman, and wouldn’t have to go. When he wakes up the next morning, Charlie is in for quite a surprise; his wish worked! While he’s left to relax in Norman’s bed on the floor, his dog gets ready for school. What starts as a fun week of swapping places quickly takes a turn for both Norman and Charlie, who discover that life as a dog is hard for a boy and that school might not be the best fit for a pup. Can one more wish get Charlie and Norman back to the lives they’re used to? Read along and find out!

Done reading? Ready for school? Get those school supplies organized with this pencil holder craft from Easy Crafts for Kids, perfect little bookworms!

2nd Annual Comic Con @ SLPL

Central Library ended July with a bang!  The library’s second annual mini comic con was fun for all ages.  Attendees came dressed as their favorite characters and kids had the chance to participate in Jedi Training Academy in the children’s library.  Take a look at some of the fun below:

Fractured Fairy Tales

You know Cinderella, the three little pigs, Goldilocks, and their stories. These books feature those characters, but they aren’t exactly the stories you’re used to. These playful stories bend the familiar to create their own take on fairy tales.

Good Night, Baddies by Deborah Underwood
Wicked witches. Evil queens. And big, bad wolves. By day they’re such baddies! But cozy at night at home among friends? Why, they couldn’t be nicer! Inspired by the mischief-makers from classic folk and fairy tales, this picture book shows that even the baddest baddies can have big hearts.

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson
In this award-winning author-illustrator’s witty sequel to the traditional Goldilocks story, Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping in to someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge?

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is a new take on the fairy-tale classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears, so funny and so original it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas
It was time for the three little wolves to go out into the world, so off they went and built themselves a splendid brick house. But they hadn’t reckoned on the big bad pig who soon came along and knocked their house down. The little wolves built a stronger house of concrete, in which they were “sure” to be safe. But that didn’t stop the big bad pig, who made short work of it with a pneumatic drill. Even a house made of armor plates could not protect them. It was only a chance encounter with a flamingo bird that solved their dilemma in an entirely unexpected and satisfactory way. Helen Oxenbury’s enchanting watercolor illustrations, full of humorous details and visual excitement, are the perfect accompaniment to this hilarious retelling-in-reverse of the traditional tale.

Cinderella’s Stepsister and the Big Bad Wolf by Lorraine Carey
So, you think you know the story of Cinderella? Well, you’d better think again because in this hilarious tale, nothing is what it seems. Did you know that Cinderella wasn’t actually very nice? And that there were three Ugly stepsisters? And that the youngest sister, Gertie, was absolutely the nicest person you could ever hope to meet? But she’ll have to act mean and bad like the rest of her family if she wants to go to the ball. With the help of some favorite fairy-tale characters, can she learn how to fit in with her family in time?

Ninja-rella by Joey Comeau
Cinderella’s stepmother and two stepsisters treat her like dirt. Each and every day, they force her to clean their clothes, cook their meals, and only give her rags to wear and crumbs to eat. But each night, in secret and in shadows, Cinderella trains to be a ninja! More than anything, Cinderella yearns to become the Prince’s personal bodyguard. When the opportunity to prove her worth to the Prince finally arrives in the form of an invitation to a royal costume ball, Cinderella’s stepmother won’t let her go! But this time around, Ninja-rella isn’t going to take “no” for an answer . . .

The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka
The entire book, with its unconventional page arrangement and eclectic, frenetic mix of text and pictures, is a spoof on the art of book design and the art of the fairy tale. The individual tales, such as the Really Ugly Duckling and Little Red Running Shorts, can be extracted for telling aloud, with great success. Another masterpiece from the team that created The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!

Another great way to play with familiar stories is to bring them to life with a craft! Use your artistic skills to create a Big Bad Wolf with these instructions from Glued to My Crafts.  Then bring the famous magic beanstalk to life with this experiment for kids from Growing a Jeweled Rose!

 

Book Weekend – Stanley the Mailman

William Bee has created a series of charmingly simple picture books featuring a friendly hamster named Stanley.  Each book features Stanley in a different community helper role. As a mailman, he gets to ride the cozy little mail-scooter and deliver packages.  But will everyone be as delighted to received as he is to give?

The simple bright illustrations make this an easy book for toddlers and early preschoolers to follow.  Adults will enjoy little details like the addresses on each package and the British flair of the design.

Look for these other books about Stanley the Hamster: Stanley the Builder and Stanley the Farmer.

2nd Annual Mini-Comic Con

Come on down to Central Library tomorrow for Comic Con!  There will be activities, vendors, food trucks and more all day long (10am-4pm).  The Children’s Library will be hosting the 501st Legion and Jedi Training Academy from 11am-noon, so come on down for a great photo op with costumed Star Wars characters and some Jedi-themed activities!

Book Weekend – Flora Returns

Flora and the Peacocks written and drawn by Molly Idle.

Flora, appealing and expressive,  first attempted to dance with a haughty bird in Flora and the Flamingo.  Without using words, the simple page turns and lifting flaps, told the story of glances and growing friendship.

In this book, Flora attempts to befriends a pair of peacocks.  While one is curious, the other feels nothing but disdain – and perhaps jealousy.

Young children just learning to identify emotions can work with caregivers to narrate this story aloud.   Others can enjoy the limited color palette, here summery mix of yellow, greens and teal.

For those with a love of the cold, check out her second book, Flora and the Peguins, for an icy blue burst of ice-dancing delimas.

Creepy, Crawly, BUGS!

July has it all – sunshine, warm weather, and, naturally, a whole lot of insects. Embrace the buggy outdoors with these books exploring all kinds of creepy, crawlies found in our own backyards!

Ugh! A Bug by Mary Bono
What would you do if you saw a fly? A spider? A flea? Mary Bono’s rhyming book explores your options when confronted by all kinds of insects in funny, rhyming text. Read along as wide-eyed children consider what they would do if there was a beetle in their way or a centipede slithering by them. In the end, this buggy book is all about sharing space and remembering that, even if they bother us, bugs are here for a reason and, mostly, just want to be left alone.

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi
Bright, colorful illustrations take center stage in this book on all the different things that bugs like to do. Watch at ground level as bugs sing, glide, and even fight their way through this book. In the end the reader is reminded that even as all types of insects do these amazing things – most can be found in our own backyards! With inviting text and all of the insect illustrations labelled in a two-page spread at the back of the book, Some Bugs begs for readers to explore the world around them in a whole new way.

Bug Faces by Darlyne A. Murawski
While some children will prefer the friendly faces of cartoon insects, this book is for the kids who want the real deal! Go eye to eye with the big-eyed bloodsucker known as the deer fly. Get up close and personal with a daddy-longlegs. See every detail of a cockroach’s face. Each magnified image of a familiar (or frightening) insect is accompanied by a brief summary of the bug and its unique features.

The Icky Bug Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta
This book lets you start with zero – zero bugs on the first page! From there, read and count along all the way up to 26. Each number is accompanied by illustrations and facts regarding a specific insect. An excellent read-along for children of varying ages as younger readers can brush up on their counting skills as more advanced readers explore trap-jaw ants and question-mark caterpillars alongside one another, this book has something to offer everyone.

Bug Safari by Bob Barner
“The events described here actually happened to me,” the narrator tells us, “…so very long ago – well, last summer.” And just like that, the reader is off on a great, safari-style adventure alongside a young narrator who finds himself following a long line of black ants through his own backyard. The ants guide the boy, and the reader as well, along a path, passing by other backyard bugs on their way to an unknown destination. Watch as they battle red ants, narrowly escape the dangerous tongue of a frog, and find themselves in the clutches of a giant green mantis, all before reaching the end of their journey. Will they make it? Read to the end to find out!

Hey There, Stink Bug! by Leslie Bulion
Take a closer look at all kinds of creepy crawlies with this book of bug poetry. Learn about spider silk, the flash of fireflies, and even why stink bugs stink, with quick, rhyming text. Each poem is accompanied with a brief explanation of the science it explores. Bright bug illustrations and a glossary of terms add to the reader’s experience.

Done reading? Keep things buzzing with this yarn-wrapped bee craft; instructions courtesy of Housing a Forest.

Hats Off to Reading!

Baseball caps, top hats, sun hats, party hats… there are so many kinds of hats! These stories celebrate hats and the people who love them!

Hat by Paul Hoppe
A boy and his mom happen upon a lone hat in the middle of the park. It’s bright red, and fits Henry just right. Turns out, Hat has a ton of important uses! It shields the sun. It doubles as a sled or a boat. It even fights crocodiles in Africa. . . . But what about Hat’s owner? Maybe he or she needs Hat even more than Henry does. Henry’s imagination may have run away from him, but in the end, his heart knows the right thing to do. An arty picture book about a boy and his imagination, Hat inspires readers to revel in the power of creativity.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor– and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
This story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity and teaches children about problem and resolution. Children will delight in following the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys and will ask to read it again and again. Caps for Sale is an excellent easy-to-read book that includes repetition, patterns, and colors, perfect for early readers.

Do You Have a Hat? by Eileen Spinelli
What do Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, Russian-American composer Igor Stravinsky, South American entertainer Carmen Miranda, African-American cowboy Nat Love, and President Abraham Lincoln have in common? HATS! Unique, distinctive, wonderful hats! And this bright and cheerful picture book from best-selling author Eileen Spinelli and colorful newcomer Geraldo Valério will have you thinking twice before going outside without yours!

I Had a Favorite Hat by Boni Ashburn
The narrator of this charming picture book loves her summer hat, but as the seasons change, her hat isn’t always appropriate for every occasion. She must use her crafting skills to turn the hat into a work of art, perfect for every season and holiday. Featuring the same characters from the first book, I Had a Favorite Dress, along with the hip, eye-catching art style that won it so many fans, this book is perfect for young crafters and their stylish parents.

Brimsby’s Hats by Andrew Prahin
A lonely hat maker uses quirky creativity to make friends in this delightful picture book that will charm readers young and old. Brimsby is a happy hat maker–until his best friend goes off to find adventure at sea. Now Brimsby is a lonely hat maker, unsure of what to do. But since making hats is what he does best, perhaps his talents can help him find some friends… Filled with whimsy and wonder, Brimsby’s Hats is a celebration of creativity and friendship.

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
Elephant wakes up grumpy–until ding, dong! What’s in the surprise box at the front door? A hat! HOORAY FOR HAT! Elephant marches off to show Zebra, but Zebra is having a grumpy day, too–until Elephant shares his new hat and cheers up his friend. Off they march to show Turtle! The parade continues as every animal brightens the day of a grumpy friend. An irresistible celebration of friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats.

After reading these books, it’s time to make your own hat! Young children will enjoy creating and decorating this simple hat from East Coast Mommy, while older kiddos will delight in a more challenging project from Krokatak.

 

Fireworks For All!

Fourth of July is almost here – but the magic of fireworks is something everyone can enjoy all year round! There are so many books that incorporate the magic and science of fireworks. Here are a few that you can share with kids of all ages:

Fireworks at the FBI by Ron Roy
In the sixth book of the Capital Mysteries—an early chapter book mystery series featuring fun facts and famous sites from Washington, D.C.— KC gets a front row seat to the Fourth of July festivities at the White House. What better place to be on the fourth than Washington, D.C.? But KC spots fireworks coming from a very peculiar place – the FBI building! Although the president thinks it was an accident, KC and her friend Marshall know better. They are sure those fireworks were covering up a clever crime!

How it Happens at the Fireworks Factory by Megan Rocker
What’s more exciting than a loud and colorful display of fireworks? The booms, crashes, and brilliant colors of a pyrotechnics show can fill anyone with a sense of childlike wonder. Come along and watch how skilled technicians craft fireworks, choreograph a show, and then ignite a fabulous display.

Liberty by Ellen Miles
Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home.  Lizzie and her family go to the beach for a July 4th weekend trip. Liberty, a golden retriever puppy, gets spooked by the fireworks display and loses her owners. Can the Petersons find her home, even while they are on vacation?

Red, White, and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw
It’s the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this poetic celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday BOOM!

Skyler, the Fireworks Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Rachel and Kirsty are spending a week with their parents at a beautiful lakeside village. The village is celebrating its bicentennial and there are a ton of fun activities planned.
The girls are most looking forward to the fireworks show at the village’s big birthday bash. Skyler the Fireworks Fairy is on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, Jack Frost is determined to take all the fireworks back to the Ice Castle so only he can enjoy them!

Crafting Fireworks!  To bring the magic of fireworks to life in an artistic way, try this neat, textured salt painting craft – It’s colorful, its creative, and it’s easy!  Instructions courtesy of Busy Mommy Media.

Funny Fourth!

Celebrate America’s funny side this Independence Day with one of these books:

Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger
What does the song “Yankee Doodle” mean and why does Mr. Doodle dislike it so? Read along as the pony explains it all.

Stupid American History: Tales of Stupidity, Strangeness, and Misconceptions by Leland Gregory
Find out who it was who learned he had become President while on his knees playing a rousing game of marbles, and other silly things you may not have heard about before.

Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz
Enjoy “wonderfully gossipy tidbits” as you read about the framers of the Constitution doing their work.

We the Kids: the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow
The opening words of the Constitution are made fun and easier to understand for kids of all ages.

United Tweets of America, 50 State Birds by Hudson Talbott
Fun trivia about each of the states’ birds, and other symbols will help readers find a laugh while learning.

Get ready for the holiday! Make decorative Fourth of July Rockets at Central Children’s Library on Wednesday, June 29, at 2pm.