If you too busy during the week to attend our weekday story times, then come to the Library on Saturday mornings. Lauren Isele, the newest member of the Youth Services staff has begun offering a story time on Saturday mornings at 10:15 am. It is held in the Youth Services Room in what is called, 'The Pit' or 'Ampitheater' or 'Story Area'. (It's that place where the puzzles are located.)
Called Read to Me, this 30-minute program includes songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and great stories for children ages 3 and up. (younger siblings are always welcome)
This program is free and requires no preregistration. For more details, call us at 883-4723 ext. 6277.
Click here for more information about other events and programs in the Youth Services Department.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Come Celebrate Babar's 80th Birthday at the Library!
To celebrate Babar's 80th birthday, we are having a party!You are invited!
This special party will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at 1:15 pm. We will have French songs, rhymes, and some French folk dances. We'll read Babar books, make a fun elephant craft,
and of course....
Celebrate with Birthday Cake!
What a fun way to spend your "day off" from school.
It is certain to be tres magnifique!
All ages welcome.
Friday, October 28, 2011
We Skyped with author Laurel Snyder!
On Friday, October 28, 2011 I was invited to sit in on a very special event at Wentworth school. 34 fifth grade students talked with author, Laurel Snyder via Skype. We all had a really great time listening to the answers Laurel gave to our questions. She is a pretty cool person, if you ask me.
I wrote down the questions and answers, because I remember best when I write things down.
Laurel started out with explaining how she became a writer.
“When I was in fourth grade I decided I would grow up and become a writer who would be rich and famous by writing stories and plays for children. I’d buy a mansion where I’d live with all the cats and dogs I would rescue. What made me decide to become a writer was that my parents separated and got divorced when I was in third grade. Writing was a way for me to figure things out.”
She has published 4 novels [Up and Down Scratchy Mountain, Any Which Wall, Penny Dreadful, Bigger Than a Breadbox] and 4 picture books for children. 2 books of poems and a collection of essays for adults. Ms Snyder has written 100’s of other stories that, to this day, have not been published. Her favorite picture book she has written is “Inside the Slidy Diner”. Her favorite chapter book for children she has written is, “Bigger than a Breadbox.” It has 4,000 words!
“Where do you get the names for you characters?
L. Mostly, I steal them from my friends.
“How long does it take you to write a book?”
L: Six months to 3 years!
“In the story, Bigger than a Breadbox, Rebecca asks the magic breadbox for $1000. What would you do with that much money?”
L: I’d take a trip with my family. Children have to think carefully how they will spend that much money, because if they bought a bike or an iPod or a computer, your parents would find out!
“Which of your books has sold the most copies?”
L: Baxter the Pig who wants to be kosher.
“Are you going to write a sequel to Penny Dreadful?”
L: I would like to write a story about Luella. It would sync up with Penny Dreadful.
“In the book Penny Dreadful, Duncan has allergies. Do you have any allergies?”
L: No. I do not suffer from any allergies, nor do my children. What I was trying to show in the story is that nowadays people can Google symptoms and you can think yourself sicker than you are. By poking fun of Duncan and his allergies, I wanted kids to see that having allergies can inhibit your life, making it difficult for you to do so many things.
“What is your favorite part of Penny Dreadful?”
L: The last scene. I love bonfire potlucks.
“Have you ever written a book you didn’t like?”
L: Oh, Lots! Those are the books not published. Sometimes you can write a story that isn’t that good. If you set it aside for awhile and then come back to it, you might like it better…or, not. By waiting, when you come back and read the story you might find a better way to tell it. For my next book I’d like to write about Lice!
“Is it a cool feeling to see your book after it is published?”
L: Yes, it is cool to see the actual book and the cover. It’s also scary. I never read my books after they’ve been published.
What is your favorite part of writing a book?
L: the beginning. You take an idea and then it becomes an outline. Sort of the same as those Choose your Own Adventure books. You keep playing with the idea, going this way and that, until the idea is just right.
“Why didn’t you let Penny find the gold?”
L: Penny wanted to save her family, and she did, just not the way she thought she would. I wanted to show that you are not always able to be in control of your life.
“What inspired you to write your next book about time traveling to 1937?”
L: The book I’m working on is a prequel to Bigger than a Breadbox. It is about Rebecca’s mom, Annie. When Annie’s mom says they must go visit Annie’s grandmother because she’s dying, Annie is surprised. She didn’t even know she had a grandmother. So, Annie falls back in time to 1937 and gets to know her grandmother when she was 12 years old.
“What were you thinking about when you started writing your book, Bigger Than a Breadbox?”
L: I was thinking about Loss and Sadness and how to go thru it. This book is autobiographical in many ways. I remember how sad and upset I was when my mother moved me away from my friends and father.
“What is the name of the book you read from?””
L: My newest book that was just published, Bigger Than a Breadbox.”
“If you weren’t an author, what would you like to be?”
L: I’m also a mom. That is my other job and I like that a lot. But if I had to decide to work at something else, I’d be a teacher or a librarian. Why? Because I LOVE BOOKS! I just want to stand around and talk about books all day!
“When you wrote about Down Betty & the mint in her garden, I wondered if you also have a garden?”
L: I am a terrible gardener. Mint is an invasive plant, so I grow it and other invasive plants because then I don’t have to weed or worry about how the garden looks.
“Where do you write?”
L: I have a shed that’s been newly renovated. There is no TV or computer or WIFI in it. I have to go inside and be quiet and when I’m quiet I hear my stories.
“If you don’t have a computer, does that mean you write by hand? On paper?”
L: Yes. I write the picture books by hand and the novels with a computer. I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I have to be careful not to overuse my hands.
Laurel said, “I love corresponding with kids. So, email me if you have any other questions or just want to talk about books.”
Visit her site at laurelsnyder.com
Books Laurel mentioned today that she hopes you’ll read.
Elizabeth Enright – Gone Away Lake
Lemony Snicket – A Series of Unfortunate Events
Betty MacDonald – Mrs Piggle Wiggle
Polly Horvath – The Canning Season
Victoria Forester – The Girl Who Could Fly
Rebecca Stead – When You Reach Me
Ellen Potter – Olivia Kidney stories and The Kneebone Boy
Anne Ursu – Breadcrumbs
Kurtis Scaletta – Mamba Point
I wrote down the questions and answers, because I remember best when I write things down.
Laurel started out with explaining how she became a writer.
“When I was in fourth grade I decided I would grow up and become a writer who would be rich and famous by writing stories and plays for children. I’d buy a mansion where I’d live with all the cats and dogs I would rescue. What made me decide to become a writer was that my parents separated and got divorced when I was in third grade. Writing was a way for me to figure things out.”She has published 4 novels [Up and Down Scratchy Mountain, Any Which Wall, Penny Dreadful, Bigger Than a Breadbox] and 4 picture books for children. 2 books of poems and a collection of essays for adults. Ms Snyder has written 100’s of other stories that, to this day, have not been published. Her favorite picture book she has written is “Inside the Slidy Diner”. Her favorite chapter book for children she has written is, “Bigger than a Breadbox.” It has 4,000 words!
“Where do you get the names for you characters?
L. Mostly, I steal them from my friends.
“How long does it take you to write a book?”
L: Six months to 3 years!
“In the story, Bigger than a Breadbox, Rebecca asks the magic breadbox for $1000. What would you do with that much money?”
L: I’d take a trip with my family. Children have to think carefully how they will spend that much money, because if they bought a bike or an iPod or a computer, your parents would find out!
“Which of your books has sold the most copies?”
L: Baxter the Pig who wants to be kosher.
“Are you going to write a sequel to Penny Dreadful?”
L: I would like to write a story about Luella. It would sync up with Penny Dreadful.
“In the book Penny Dreadful, Duncan has allergies. Do you have any allergies?”
L: No. I do not suffer from any allergies, nor do my children. What I was trying to show in the story is that nowadays people can Google symptoms and you can think yourself sicker than you are. By poking fun of Duncan and his allergies, I wanted kids to see that having allergies can inhibit your life, making it difficult for you to do so many things.
“What is your favorite part of Penny Dreadful?”
L: The last scene. I love bonfire potlucks.
“Have you ever written a book you didn’t like?”
L: Oh, Lots! Those are the books not published. Sometimes you can write a story that isn’t that good. If you set it aside for awhile and then come back to it, you might like it better…or, not. By waiting, when you come back and read the story you might find a better way to tell it. For my next book I’d like to write about Lice!
“Is it a cool feeling to see your book after it is published?”
L: Yes, it is cool to see the actual book and the cover. It’s also scary. I never read my books after they’ve been published.
What is your favorite part of writing a book?
L: the beginning. You take an idea and then it becomes an outline. Sort of the same as those Choose your Own Adventure books. You keep playing with the idea, going this way and that, until the idea is just right.
“Why didn’t you let Penny find the gold?”
L: Penny wanted to save her family, and she did, just not the way she thought she would. I wanted to show that you are not always able to be in control of your life.
“What inspired you to write your next book about time traveling to 1937?”
L: The book I’m working on is a prequel to Bigger than a Breadbox. It is about Rebecca’s mom, Annie. When Annie’s mom says they must go visit Annie’s grandmother because she’s dying, Annie is surprised. She didn’t even know she had a grandmother. So, Annie falls back in time to 1937 and gets to know her grandmother when she was 12 years old.
“What were you thinking about when you started writing your book, Bigger Than a Breadbox?”
L: I was thinking about Loss and Sadness and how to go thru it. This book is autobiographical in many ways. I remember how sad and upset I was when my mother moved me away from my friends and father.
“What is the name of the book you read from?””
L: My newest book that was just published, Bigger Than a Breadbox.”
“If you weren’t an author, what would you like to be?”
L: I’m also a mom. That is my other job and I like that a lot. But if I had to decide to work at something else, I’d be a teacher or a librarian. Why? Because I LOVE BOOKS! I just want to stand around and talk about books all day!
“When you wrote about Down Betty & the mint in her garden, I wondered if you also have a garden?”
L: I am a terrible gardener. Mint is an invasive plant, so I grow it and other invasive plants because then I don’t have to weed or worry about how the garden looks.
“Where do you write?”
L: I have a shed that’s been newly renovated. There is no TV or computer or WIFI in it. I have to go inside and be quiet and when I’m quiet I hear my stories.
“If you don’t have a computer, does that mean you write by hand? On paper?”
L: Yes. I write the picture books by hand and the novels with a computer. I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I have to be careful not to overuse my hands.
Laurel said, “I love corresponding with kids. So, email me if you have any other questions or just want to talk about books.”
Visit her site at laurelsnyder.com
Books Laurel mentioned today that she hopes you’ll read.
Elizabeth Enright – Gone Away Lake
Lemony Snicket – A Series of Unfortunate Events
Betty MacDonald – Mrs Piggle Wiggle
Polly Horvath – The Canning Season
Victoria Forester – The Girl Who Could Fly
Rebecca Stead – When You Reach Me
Ellen Potter – Olivia Kidney stories and The Kneebone Boy
Anne Ursu – Breadcrumbs
Kurtis Scaletta – Mamba Point
Friday, September 30, 2011
Stories To Solve by George Shannon
Do you have a reader who enjoys solving mysteries? For those children who have liked these books:
Picture Books:
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base
The Web Files by Margie Palantini
Nate the Great series by Marjorie Sharmat
Detective LaRue by Mark Teague
Chapter Books:
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald Sobol
Brixton Brothers by Mac Marnett
Jigsaw Jones Mysteries by James Preller
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor
For something different try these older titles.
Stories to Solve: Folktales from Around the World and More Stories to Solve: Fifteen Folktales from Around the World, both are told by George Shannon and illustrated by Peter Sis
In each entry, many are one page in length, Shannon sets up the story and then asks readers to solve it.
In a "Dri
nk for a Crow", a crow tries to take a drink from a pitcher, but the water level is too low and the pitcher too large for his short beak. Just as he was about to give up, the crafty crow comes up with a plan.
Picture Books:
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base
The Web Files by Margie Palantini
Nate the Great series by Marjorie Sharmat
Detective LaRue by Mark Teague
Chapter Books:
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald Sobol
Brixton Brothers by Mac Marnett
Jigsaw Jones Mysteries by James Preller
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor
For something different try these older titles.
Stories to Solve: Folktales from Around the World and More Stories to Solve: Fifteen Folktales from Around the World, both are told by George Shannon and illustrated by Peter Sis
In each entry, many are one page in length, Shannon sets up the story and then asks readers to solve it.
In a "Dri
nk for a Crow", a crow tries to take a drink from a pitcher, but the water level is too low and the pitcher too large for his short beak. Just as he was about to give up, the crafty crow comes up with a plan."What did the crow do? Find out the answer on page 20.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Let me introduce...
We have a new person working in the Youth Servcies Department 20 hours a week.
Her name is Lauren and she comes to us with ten + years of experience working in a public library setting. Lauren is looking forward to hosting our monthly evening story time, Pajamarama. The next one is October 4 at 6:30 pm.
Need help finding a good book to read? Ask Lauren. She loves to read books and listen to books on CD.
Two books that Lauren recommends.
If you liked Rules by Cynthia Lord and A Crooked Kind of Perfect Linda Urban, try The Romeo and Juliet Code by Pheobe Stone. Set during the bombing of London during World War Two, Felicity is sent to live with reliatives in Maine where she undercovers several family secrets. The author successfully portrays a young girl who pushes the boundaries of her world, as well as that first blush of romance.
For those who are having withdrawals from Hunger Games and Twilight, try Ma
tched by Ally Condie. "All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, who to marry."
Stop by the Library and meet Lauren.
Where's Emma? Don't worry, though Emma is no longer here during the week, you can still talk with her every Sunday.
Her name is Lauren and she comes to us with ten + years of experience working in a public library setting. Lauren is looking forward to hosting our monthly evening story time, Pajamarama. The next one is October 4 at 6:30 pm.
Need help finding a good book to read? Ask Lauren. She loves to read books and listen to books on CD.
Two books that Lauren recommends.
If you liked Rules by Cynthia Lord and A Crooked Kind of Perfect Linda Urban, try The Romeo and Juliet Code by Pheobe Stone. Set during the bombing of London during World War Two, Felicity is sent to live with reliatives in Maine where she undercovers several family secrets. The author successfully portrays a young girl who pushes the boundaries of her world, as well as that first blush of romance.
For those who are having withdrawals from Hunger Games and Twilight, try Ma
tched by Ally Condie. "All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, who to marry."Stop by the Library and meet Lauren.
Where's Emma? Don't worry, though Emma is no longer here during the week, you can still talk with her every Sunday.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
Published in1985, this classic tale is a great read aloud.10-year-old William Lawrence is very upset when he learns his beloved housekeeper and nanny, Mrs. Phillips will be returning to England. Mrs. Phillips has taken care of William since he was a baby! As a parting gift, Mrs. Phillips gives William a wooden medieval castle that has been in her family for generations. The castle is really cool. It has a miniature drawbridge, a portcullis, and a silver knight! Yet, the gift of the castle cannot change the way William feels. He must find a way to keep Mrs. Phillips from leaving.
Then, something magical happens, sending William on a quest to save the silver knight's kingdom.
Winthrop adds just a right amount of realism to this satisfying fantasy.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Yes, ask us!
The fun part of our job in the Youth Services Department is when parents ask us for suggestions of books to read aloud to their children. They are looking for books that have more text than simple picture books do, and for older listeners a book to be read over a few days or weeks is usually more appealing.
Our first step is to conduct a short interview. 1. Have you read other books aloud to your child(ren)? 2. If so, what are some titles your child(ren) have enjoyed? These questions helps us identify your child’s interest and listening ability.
For preschool children some favorite picture book read alouds that offer a longer storyline include: Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig, Anatole by Eve Titus, Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, or anything by Bill Peet.
We take delight in introducing children to their first foray into chapter books. It takes a new set of listening skills as the story is propelled using text and very few pictures. Luckily, there are a plethora of wonderful titles rich in language and memorable characters.
For t
hose children listening to their first chapter book, some sure winners are: My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, Jenny and the Cat Club by Esther Holden Averill, and Sophie's Snail by Dick King-Smith.
As children become comfortable with fewer pictures try A Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, or Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald.
When suggesting titles, the Youth Services Department makes every effort to take into consideration a book's content. Many popular series books, with their movie tie-ins, contain themes that can be too mature for children, especially young children. In addition, a steady diet of plot driven novels that offer superficial or limited character development and no rich language can make it difficult for children to focus and appreciate those stories we consider quality literature.
Books that are made to savor; stories you remember long after you've read the last page
include Sarah, Plain and Tall by Sarah MacLaughlin, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford, Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater or anything by E. Nesbit.
Stop in any time to ask us for suggestions. Or email us: kids@scarborough.lib.me.us
Our first step is to conduct a short interview. 1. Have you read other books aloud to your child(ren)? 2. If so, what are some titles your child(ren) have enjoyed? These questions helps us identify your child’s interest and listening ability.
For preschool children some favorite picture book read alouds that offer a longer storyline include: Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig, Anatole by Eve Titus, Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, or anything by Bill Peet.
We take delight in introducing children to their first foray into chapter books. It takes a new set of listening skills as the story is propelled using text and very few pictures. Luckily, there are a plethora of wonderful titles rich in language and memorable characters.
For t
hose children listening to their first chapter book, some sure winners are: My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, Jenny and the Cat Club by Esther Holden Averill, and Sophie's Snail by Dick King-Smith.As children become comfortable with fewer pictures try A Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, or Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald.
When suggesting titles, the Youth Services Department makes every effort to take into consideration a book's content. Many popular series books, with their movie tie-ins, contain themes that can be too mature for children, especially young children. In addition, a steady diet of plot driven novels that offer superficial or limited character development and no rich language can make it difficult for children to focus and appreciate those stories we consider quality literature.
Books that are made to savor; stories you remember long after you've read the last page
include Sarah, Plain and Tall by Sarah MacLaughlin, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford, Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater or anything by E. Nesbit.Stop in any time to ask us for suggestions. Or email us: kids@scarborough.lib.me.us
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