Monday, January 31, 2011

Beary Monday

Story time was so much fun!!! I had a much bigger group of wee ones than I have been getting, so I am really excited about that! We had a great time, and read some fun stories!!

Opening Song: If You're Happy and You Know It from Favorite Children's Songs CD.

Book: My Bear and Me by Barbara Maitland

Action Rhyme: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Action Song: Fun with Hands (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Roll, roll, roll your hands, roll them 1,2,3!
Roll, roll, roll your hands, roll them now with me!
Repeat with Shake, Clap, Rub

Book: Bear Gets Dressed by Harriet Ziefert

Action Song: I'm a Little Teapot

Nursery Rhyme: Humpty Dumpty

Interactive Playtime

Friday, January 28, 2011

Review: Blue by Lou Aronica

I am terribly excited to review the novel Blue by Lou Aronica. The world that was created for this book is so vivid and creative, and I read it in 3 sittings (but only because I had to go to work. I did NOT want to put this one down)!!

The story mainly focuses on Becky, a 14 year old girl dealing with the divorce of her parents, and Chris, Becky’s father. When Becky was 5, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Throughout her illness, Chris and Becky made up a ‘bedtime story’ about Princess Miea and the kingdom of Tamarisk. These stories become a nightly ritual all the way up until the divorce of her parents, almost 10 years later.

One night, Becky is pulled into the world of Tamarisk, where she actually meets Princess Miea (who has since become the Queen). This is where she finds that not only is Tamarisk real, but they are in danger from a blight that is killing off plants and animals within the kingdom. Becky becomes determined to save Tamarisk, and enlists her father to help.

This novel is so well written. I was immediately pulled in to Becky’s story and found a connection to the characters. I felt for Becky while she was dealing with the contention between her parents. The relationships between Becky and each of her parents were realistic, as was the relationship between Chris and Becky’s mom, Polly. I also felt like the transitions from the real world to Tamarisk were seamless. The descriptions of the fantasy world that Chris and Becky made up were colorful and imaginative. A whole new world was created – with new creatures and made up colors, but it was still similar enough to the real world. Tamarisk evolved as Becky grew up, and became an inspired world of imagination.

As I understand, Blue is a labor of love for Lou Aronica. Every detail of this novel was carefully thought through and enhanced the story. I can’t say enough about this amazing novel, it is definitely the best book I have read so far this year - and probably even the last half of 2010, too!!!!

Thank you to Lou Aronica for sending me a copy of this amazing novel. And, I do have to apologize for it taking so long for me to post this review.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Lost stuff Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, y'all!! I am excited to say that even though there was snow on the ground this morning, I actually had some kids (and parents!) brave the weather to come to story time! YAY!!! I have to admit, I was sure that I'd have to save this story time for next week. Glad I was wrong!!!

Anyway, we read books this week about lost stuff.

Opening Song: Shake My Sillies Out - Raffi

Book: Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems


Song: Where is Thumbkin?

Book: Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont


Nursery Rhyme: Little Bo Peep

Book: Where's My Teddy? by Jez Albrough


Craft: Toilet Paper Roll Telescopes (or binoculars)
For this craft, I cut out pieces of paper the size of the TP roll, and wrapped them around the rolls. That way, the white of the paper was easier to decorate or color, depending on what the kids wanted to do. Since we had so few kids, and I had extra TP rolls, I let them make two and stick them together to make binoculars.


HOOOOOORAY!!! It's Wednesday, aka FMRNS Night!!! WHOOOOT WHOOOOOOT!!!! And I can't contain my excitement, because the latest season of American Idol has started!!! There were some really great auditions last week - and some REALLY bad ones too!!!

We have been postponing the viewing of Persepolis for a couple weeks now, so that is what is on tap for tonight!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Library Question of the Day

A boy of about 8 years old comes into the library with his mom and younger brother.

8-Year Old Boy: Whoa!!! Did you know they had books in here?!?!?!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Numbers and Games!

This Monday we had a fun story time!! We read a fun book about playing hide and seek (can you see the feet poking out from behind the tree?!) and a great book with numbers!!

Opening Song: If You're Happy and You Know It from Favorite Children's Songs CD.

Book: Ten in the Meadow by John Butler


Song: I'm a Little Teapot (had to get them up and moving around!)

Book: The Noisy Counting Book by Susan Schade and Jon Buller (Ga-DUNK!)


Counting: Can you count to 5?

Interactive Playtime

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Story time with Miss Lynn!!!

I was super excited to have a very special guest grace my preschool story time on Wednesday!!! Miss Lynn, the fabulous children's musician and wonderful friend of yours truly, performed an awesome show!!!

She sang classic tunes from her first CD, Outside the Lines, as well as music from her latest release, Something New!! The kids were a little mellow at first, but Miss Lynn definitely got them moving around and participating!!

A quick story: the day before Miss Lynn was expected, I got a phone call...

Excited Mom: I'm going to be driving from about an hour away, I just wanted to make sure we'd get a place to sit if we got there right on time...

Real Librarian: Oh, I am expecting quite a few people for the special guest, but I am sure you will be able to find a place to sit!

EM: Oh, good!! We just love Miss Lynn!!! I don't know what my boys are going to do when they actually see her live and in person!!!

How exciting is that? They knew all the words to the song, and even jumped in with some interesting ad-libbing!! HAHAHAHA!!!

Anyway, good times had by all. Check out Miss Lynn's website, listen to her music, buy her CDs. And if you are in Nashville (or anywhere else, really!) and are in need of some good Children's entertainment, get in touch with her. You never know, Miss Lynn could grace your story time or event, too!!!! I promise you won't be disappointed!!!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Circus is coming to town!!

The Greatest Show on Earth is coming to town next weekend, so I thought it would be the perfect time to read books about the Circus!!! Too bad it snowed last night and this morning, so I only had one kid, but still - we had a good time!!

Opening Song: Shake My Sillies Out - Raffi

Book: The Greatest Show on Earth by John Prater


Pretend: I put a long piece of red duct tape on the floor, and we pretended to walk the tight rope! It was a lot of fun!!

Book: Big and Little by John Stadler


Rhyme/Fingerplay: 5 Little Clowns (from About.com Family Crafts)


Five little clowns on the circus floor
One did a somersault; then there were four.

Four little clowns standing on one knee
One fell over backwards; then there were three.

Three little clowns with hair of red and blue
One rode on an elephant; then there were two.

Two little clowns having so much fun
One flew on the trapeze; then there was one.

One little clown in the ring all alone
He stood on a tiger and ate an ice cream cone.

Book: Star of the Circus by Michael and Mary Beth Sampson


Craft: Circus Finger Puppets from First Palette



And HOOOORAY!!! Tonight is another round of FMRNS!!!! Although, I have to tell you that I am not entirely excited about tonight's feature. If you recall, I am not exactly a fan of horror movies. Here's a story I've told before...

I have one of those 'it's funny now' stories about a FMRNS evening of horror. I am pretty sure it was the night we watched The Shining. I was getting ready to leave A's place. He lives in kind of a secluded area, and I have to walk (not too far, but far enough) to get to my car. It's always dark when I leave, and I'm not really a fan of the dark anyway, but to go walking in a secluded area in the dark by myself after watching The Shining?!?! Yeah, not cool. Anyway, I go to leave and open the door (remember, it's probably almost midnight at this time), and there is a PERSON standing in the doorway!!! I, being the calm person I am, SCREAM BLOODY MURDER in this guys face, and run back into the house screaming and crying. Poor guy didn't even know what hit him. Not so funny then, but when A and I reminisced about this the other day? HI-FREAKIN-LARIOUS!!!

Anyway, tonight we are supposed to watch Paranormal Activity, a horror from 2007. Yeah, wish me luck, y'all!!!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Impromptu story time

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my job?

Well, today a young mom came in and had to use the computer, and her little 5 year old daughter took quite a liking to me. I smiled at her while she was flipping through a book, and then she took to following me around. So, I decided I might just sit on the floor with her and read a couple books.

Do Like a Duck Does by Judy Hindley


Four Friends Together by Sue Heap


Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

After that, we put together a couple puzzles. She had a good time and was entertained while mom was on the computer. She was just too cute to resist!!

I made sure to tell them when regular story time was, I hope they can make it!!!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The crack is back!!!

Now, when I say "the crack is back," you might remember this post about a frequent patron, but fortunately I can say that I have not seen that particular crack lately!!

No, no, I am talking about a much more dangerous form of crack. You might remember a post from months ago about some evil little crack dealers who stake out in stores and ambush innocent people who are just trying to go about their business.

Well, I've been ambushed again. I think I was the first person that these little crack dealers came running to, because they KNOW I'm a sucker.

As you recall, when I say "crack dealer," what I really mean is "girl scout."

Anyway, these 2 (TWO!! They're taking a joint ambush approach!) perky little crack dealers come running up to me (why are they always so cute?) AT WORK, can you believe it?!

Perky Little Crack Dealer 1: Miss Reeeaaaaaallllllllll!!!! We have some crack for yoooouuuu!!!!
Real Librarian: Oooohhhhh, no you don't. I know your tricks, I'm not falling for it this time!
PLCD2: But this is the highest quality crack!!
RL: No, you don't understand, I really don't like crack.
PLCD1: Just think, if you don't order your crack now, you won't have any crack!!!
RL: But...
PLCD2: Come on, you knoooooow you want some!!!
RL: *sigh* Yes, yes, I do.

And even though those perky little crack dealers take checks, I actually had some cash on me!! So, in a few short weeks, I will be the proud owner of two boxes of Samoas, and two boxes of Thin Mints. But not for long - I can only imagine the Samoas probably won't last through the day. The Thin Mints will last a little longer, but only because they have to be put in the freezer before enjoying. *drool*

Anyway, click here to find out where to buy your own crack - I mean Girl Scout Cookies!!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Ribbitty Story Time

Happy Wednesday, y'all!!! I am excited about today's story time!! I found some great frog books, and had a few more kids this time, so it was really fun!!

Opening Song: Shake My Sillies Out - Raffi

Book: Little Quack's New Friend - Lauren Thompson


Song: Five Green and Speckled Frogs

Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Sitting on a hollow log
Eating a big delicious bug (Yum! YUM!)
One jumped in to the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there are Four green speckled frogs!

(repeat until no speckled frogs are left on the log!)


Book: The Wide Mouthed Frog (a pop-up book) - Keith Faulkner


Rhyme: Humpty Dumpty

Book: Jump! - Scott Fischer


Craft: Paper Plate Frogs from DLTK-Kids.




The kids LOVED the pop-up book!! I might have to see what other ones I can find to incorporate into story time!

HOOOORAY for the return of FMRNS!!! I am excited, we've had a little bit of a break, but we are getting back into the routine again! WHOOT WHOOOT!!!! Tonight we have 3 choices. First, Persepolis, an animated French film from 2007. Our second choice is And the Band Played On, a heavy drama from 1993 about the AIDS epidemic, starring Matthew Modine and Alan Alda. The third option is Legal Eagles, a comedic mystery from 1986 with Robert Redford, Debra Winger and Daryl Hannah.

I have a feeling we'll choose the comedic mystery, we've had a couple dramas lately! Which one would you choose?


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

2010 Book List

I've been keeping a list of all the books I've read throughout the last couple years (2008 Book List, 2009 Book List), which has been really fun!!

I'm excited to post the 2010 list!!! There are some great reads on this list (and a couple I might have done without). I'm excited about all the reviews I wrote this year, and look forward to more next year (a couple are in the works right now!). Anyway, enjoy this year's book list!!

January 2010

1. Life After Yes by Aidan Donnelley Rowley (my review)
2. 8th Confession by James Patterson
3. Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young (my review)
4. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire (audio book)
5. Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson
6. Reasons by Tracy Fabre (my review)
7. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

February 2010

8.The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1) by Rick Riordan (audio book)
9. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
10. For Your Listening Pleasure by David Sedaris (audio book)
11. Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 2) by Rick Riordan (audio book)
12. Second Sight: An Intuitive Psychiatrist Tells Her Extraordinary Story and Shows You How to Tap Your Own Inner Wisdom by Judith Orloff (my review)
13. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella


March 2010

14. Seeing Stars by Diane Hammond (my review)
15. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
16. Crazy Heart by Thomas Cobb (my review)
17. The Bird Room by Chris Killen (my review)
18. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris (audio book)
19. After You by Julie Buxbaum

April 2010

20. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians book 3) by Rick Riordan (audio book)
21. Never Better by Garrison Keillor (audio book)
22. A Common Pornography by Kevin Sampsell (my review)
23. Motherhood is Murder: A Maternal Instincts Mystery by Diana Orgain (my review)
24. I, Alex Cross by James Patterson
25. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler

May 2010

26. The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians book 4) by Rick Riordan (audio book)
27. The Queen of Palmyra by Minrose Gwin (my review)
28. Worse Case by James Patterson
29. Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch and a Wardrobe; or the Wonder Years before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered, Smart-Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster
30. The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians book 5) by Rick Riordan (audio book)
31. Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

June 2010

32. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
33. 9th Judgement by James Patterson
34. The Starlet by Mary McNamera (my review)
35. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
36. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

July 2010

37. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover if Not being a Dumb Ass is the New Black, or, a Culture Up Manifesto by Jen Lancaster
38. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
39. The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose (my review)
40. Unfinished Business: One Man's Extraordinary Year of Trying to Do the Right Things by Lee Kravitz (my review)
41. Bound South by Susan Rebecca White

August 2010

42. Promises to Keep by Jane Green
43. Private by James Patterson
44. Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love by Jill Conner Browne

September 2010

45. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
46. The Red Thread by Ann Hood (my review)

October 2010

47. Dragon House by John Shors (my review)
48. Naked Heat by Richard Castle
49. The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide by Eva Talmadge & Justin Taylor (my review)

November 2010

50. Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson
51. The Price of Life by Greg McCarthy (my review)
52. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
53. Heart with Joy: A Novel by Steve Cushman (my review)
54. Mini-Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
55. Don't Blink by James Patterson
56. Blood of my Brother by James LePore (my review)

December 2010

57. Freefall by Mindi Scott
58. Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich
59. The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
60. Cross Fire by James Patterson
61. Room by Emma Donoghue
62. Hating Olivia by Mark SaFranko

Monday, January 3, 2011

Toddler Monday

Happy 2011!!! It's the first Toddler Story Time of the year!!! We had a great one, even though it was small!!

Opening Song: If You're Happy and You Know It from Favorite Children's Songs CD.

Book: Duck's Key, Where Can it Be? by Jez Alborough


Rhyme: Hickory Dickory Dock

Book: Honk Honk, Beep Beep by Daniel Kirk


Fingerplay: Itsy Bitsy Spider

Interactive Playtime