Bring the whole family to the Library Puett Room Sunday, May 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and make your very own unique flower vase! Top off your finished vase with with fresh flowers for your special loved one. One vase per person, please.
Friday, April 29, 2016
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Bring the whole family to the Library Puett Room Sunday, May 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and make your very own unique flower vase! Top off your finished vase with with fresh flowers for your special loved one. One vase per person, please.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
New Books for Arbor Day 2016
It feels like every year I do a post on Arbor Day books. I can't help myself. I'm an Oregonian Tree Hugger and I'm not ashamed of it either! I am so pleased to share even more books about trees...books that are brand new. So place your holds now so you can be a book lover and a tree hugger (just like me!) this Arbor Day, April 29, 2016!
Secret Tree Fort by Brianne Farley
I LOVE trees and I LOVED building forts when I was a kid. Here's the story about a tree that is ideal for reading quietly under, plus being the foundation for the most magnificent tree fort. It also makes for the perfect setting for about squabbling sisters. So any way you look at it, trees are perfect for any sort of childhood situation.
The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Gemma Merino
Now this is the silliest tree story that I've ever read! Who knew that cows could climb trees? Well, Tina the Cow certainly can! And when she does, she meets new friends up in the branches. Her sister thinks her experience is "Impossible! Ridiculous!" and full of "Nonsense!" Just wait until you read this one. Readers will be in for a surprise!
From Apple Trees to Cider, Please! by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky
There's an apple festival underway at the farm and lots of work to do to make the cider. This visit finishes with a cider doughnut and a cup of freshly pressed cider. It's DELICIOUS! Told in crisp, action-driven rhymes from a young child's point of view, here's a realistic account of how apple cider is pressed, flavored with the charm and vigor of a harvest celebration.
Little Tree by Loren Long
Little Tree is very happy in the forest, where he is surrounded by other little trees and his leaves keep him cool in the heat of summer, but when autumn comes and the other trees drop their leaves, Little Tree cannot be persuaded to let his go, even after they wither and turn brown.
The Little Tree That Would Not Share by Nicoletta Costa
The Tree in the Courtyard by Jeff Gottesfeld
A horse chestnut tree lived outside of Anne Frank's window. The tree watched her play, laugh, and write in her diary. When strangers invaded the city and warplanes roared overhead, the tree watched the Anne peek out of the curtained window of the annex. It watched as she and her family were taken away and when her father returned after the war, alone. Sadly, the tree died the summer Anne Frank would have turned 81, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Its story, and Anne's story, are beautifully told and illustrated in this powerful picture book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Peter McCarty.
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
A peek-through hole on the cover of the book continues on each page to the very end in this book where children can view the seasonal changes of a tree.. I really love the bold and vibrant color illustrations. Plus, this book will be a lot of fun especially for toddlers!
The 52-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths (Juvenile Fiction)
This series started off with a 13-story treehouse, now it has evolved into 52-stories. Now Andy and Terry must try to solve the mystery of: What happened to Mr. Big Nose? Because it's hard to turn in your next book when your publisher has vanished!
Secret Tree Fort by Brianne FarleyI LOVE trees and I LOVED building forts when I was a kid. Here's the story about a tree that is ideal for reading quietly under, plus being the foundation for the most magnificent tree fort. It also makes for the perfect setting for about squabbling sisters. So any way you look at it, trees are perfect for any sort of childhood situation.
The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Gemma MerinoNow this is the silliest tree story that I've ever read! Who knew that cows could climb trees? Well, Tina the Cow certainly can! And when she does, she meets new friends up in the branches. Her sister thinks her experience is "Impossible! Ridiculous!" and full of "Nonsense!" Just wait until you read this one. Readers will be in for a surprise!
There's an apple festival underway at the farm and lots of work to do to make the cider. This visit finishes with a cider doughnut and a cup of freshly pressed cider. It's DELICIOUS! Told in crisp, action-driven rhymes from a young child's point of view, here's a realistic account of how apple cider is pressed, flavored with the charm and vigor of a harvest celebration.
Little Tree is very happy in the forest, where he is surrounded by other little trees and his leaves keep him cool in the heat of summer, but when autumn comes and the other trees drop their leaves, Little Tree cannot be persuaded to let his go, even after they wither and turn brown.
The Little Tree That Would Not Share by Nicoletta Costa
A horse chestnut tree lived outside of Anne Frank's window. The tree watched her play, laugh, and write in her diary. When strangers invaded the city and warplanes roared overhead, the tree watched the Anne peek out of the curtained window of the annex. It watched as she and her family were taken away and when her father returned after the war, alone. Sadly, the tree died the summer Anne Frank would have turned 81, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Its story, and Anne's story, are beautifully told and illustrated in this powerful picture book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Peter McCarty.
A peek-through hole on the cover of the book continues on each page to the very end in this book where children can view the seasonal changes of a tree.. I really love the bold and vibrant color illustrations. Plus, this book will be a lot of fun especially for toddlers!
This series started off with a 13-story treehouse, now it has evolved into 52-stories. Now Andy and Terry must try to solve the mystery of: What happened to Mr. Big Nose? Because it's hard to turn in your next book when your publisher has vanished!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
See to Read
Did you know that at least 15% of preschoolers have undetected vision issues that need to be corrected with glasses? The Oregon Legislature passed a new law requiring all incoming kindergartners to provide proof of vision screening. See to Read is participating in this statewide initiative by providing free vision screenings in public libraries across the state. OHSU's Elk's Children's Eye Clinic is partnering with the Oregon State Elks, Oregon Library Association and the Oregon Lions to provide this service at the Tigard Library on April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to Family Story Time and stick around afterward for your child's free vision screening.Monday, April 25, 2016
Novels in Verse
Since it is still National Poetry Month is about to come to an end and I've already blogged about my favorite recently published poetry books for children, I thought I should also include books that I have really enjoyed that have been written in verse. Never heard of novels written in verse? They are a type of narrative in which a novel-length narrative is told through poetry rather than through prose. These books can be simply written or have complex stanzas. Some books will have just one narrator and some will have multiple voices with dialogue and narration.
If you have a elementary or middle school student at home who struggles with reading, these books are perfect choices to give them as they will feel like accomplished readers going through lengthily paged books just like their peers. The extra white space on each page and the spacing between lines will reward the reader with a positive reading experience. I especially like to recommend these books to readers who have a short turn-around time to get a reading assignment and book report done for school as these books still carry a lot of punch.
Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer Wolf
In small town, post-World War Oregon, twenty-one 6th grade girls recount the story of an annual softball game, during which one girl's prejudices comes to the surface. I highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Juvenile Biography & Young Adult Biography)
Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960's and 1970's, living with the remnants of Jim Crow laws and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line is a glimpse into her own soul as as a child as she searches for her place in the world. Plus it is a 2015 Newbery Honor Book and a National Book Award Winner for young people.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This is the story about fourteen-year-old African-American twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan. They wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their retired professional basketball player father ignores his declining health. I just LOVE this book and very pleased that it won the 2015 Newbery Medal. It makes for an entertaining, yet emotional read. I highly recommend this one!!!
Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamara Wissinger
Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. But when his pesky little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he is none too pleased. This book is told in many different types of poems from Sam and his sister's point of view, making it a fun read, especially for transitional readers. It also includes a primer at the back of the book on rhyme, poetry techniques, rhythm, stanzas, and poetic forms.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
A young Vietnamese girl chronicles her life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam, travel to the United States, and start a new life in Alabama. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner for Young People.
Like Pickle Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg
When nine-year-old Eleanor's beloved babysitter Bibi moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor must spend the summer adjusting to a new babysitter while mourning the loss of her old one. This book will serve as a good title to share with children who must say good-bye to a favorite babysitter.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Jack DOES NOT like poetry. In fact, he doesn't want to write a poem for his class assignment. But then he comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him. Then he surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of The Great Depression. This won the 1998 Newbery Award.
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March
by Lynda Blackman Lowery (Young Adult Non-Fiction)
This 50th-anniversary tribute shares the story of the youngest person to complete the momentous Selma to Montgomery March, describing her frequent imprisonments for her participation in nonviolent demonstrations and how she felt about her involvement in historic Civil Rights events, all while she turned 15 years old during the march.
Witness by Karen Hesse
A series of poems express the views of various people in a small Vermont town, including a young black girl and a young Jewish girl, during the early 1920's when the Ku Klux Klan is trying to infiltrate the town. I also highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character during this haunting time in U.S. history.
If you have a elementary or middle school student at home who struggles with reading, these books are perfect choices to give them as they will feel like accomplished readers going through lengthily paged books just like their peers. The extra white space on each page and the spacing between lines will reward the reader with a positive reading experience. I especially like to recommend these books to readers who have a short turn-around time to get a reading assignment and book report done for school as these books still carry a lot of punch.
Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer WolfIn small town, post-World War Oregon, twenty-one 6th grade girls recount the story of an annual softball game, during which one girl's prejudices comes to the surface. I highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Juvenile Biography & Young Adult Biography)Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960's and 1970's, living with the remnants of Jim Crow laws and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line is a glimpse into her own soul as as a child as she searches for her place in the world. Plus it is a 2015 Newbery Honor Book and a National Book Award Winner for young people.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This is the story about fourteen-year-old African-American twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan. They wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their retired professional basketball player father ignores his declining health. I just LOVE this book and very pleased that it won the 2015 Newbery Medal. It makes for an entertaining, yet emotional read. I highly recommend this one!!!
Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamara WissingerNine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. But when his pesky little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he is none too pleased. This book is told in many different types of poems from Sam and his sister's point of view, making it a fun read, especially for transitional readers. It also includes a primer at the back of the book on rhyme, poetry techniques, rhythm, stanzas, and poetic forms.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
A young Vietnamese girl chronicles her life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam, travel to the United States, and start a new life in Alabama. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner for Young People.
When nine-year-old Eleanor's beloved babysitter Bibi moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor must spend the summer adjusting to a new babysitter while mourning the loss of her old one. This book will serve as a good title to share with children who must say good-bye to a favorite babysitter.
Jack DOES NOT like poetry. In fact, he doesn't want to write a poem for his class assignment. But then he comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him. Then he surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.
Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of The Great Depression. This won the 1998 Newbery Award.
by Lynda Blackman Lowery (Young Adult Non-Fiction)
This 50th-anniversary tribute shares the story of the youngest person to complete the momentous Selma to Montgomery March, describing her frequent imprisonments for her participation in nonviolent demonstrations and how she felt about her involvement in historic Civil Rights events, all while she turned 15 years old during the march.
A series of poems express the views of various people in a small Vermont town, including a young black girl and a young Jewish girl, during the early 1920's when the Ku Klux Klan is trying to infiltrate the town. I also highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character during this haunting time in U.S. history.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
ORCA Winners and New Nominees
The Oregon Readers Choice Award winners have been announced!
Upper Elementary Division
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Middle School Division
Counting by 7s by Holly Sloan
High School Division
The Living by Matt de la Peña
Thanks to all who voted! The new line up of incredible nominees has also been announced. I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into these fabulous books. Are you? oregonreaderschoiceaward.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/2016-2017-orca-nominees/
Friday, April 22, 2016
LEGO® Construction Zone
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Friends of the Library Book Sale!
The Friends of the Tigard Library are holding their annual used book sale in the Burgess Community Room April 22-24, 2016. Come early to get some amazing bargain books at great prices. Plus, if you visit the Circulation Desk inside the library, you can pick up a 50 cent off coupon good on your purchase! Here's the dates and times:
Friday, April 22 9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, April 23 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, April 24 BAG SALE! 11 AM to 3 PM
Monday, April 18, 2016
Inspired By Poetry
In this a month of poetry
We celebrate many an honoree
....
OK. I was planning to write this whole post in verse, but it turns out I'm not that talented. Poetry is hard, y'all! Though certainly inspirational. We've all opened books to find chapter headings that quote the lines of poets both well known and obscure. There's also a few gems in which poetic threads run throughout, thematically tying novels together. I've put up a display in the Young Adult Room with a few fabulous teen books and the poems that shape and inspire them. One of my faves is Lips Touch by Laini Taylor. This National Book Award honoree features three short stories, one of which was inspired by Christina Rossetti's amazing "Goblin Market," in which two sisters are tempted by goblin men selling irresistibly delicious fruit that will cause the consumer to waste away. Why? Who knows. Goblins are like that. Here's an excerpt of the poem:
Evening by evening
Among the brookside rushes,
Laura bow’d her head to hear,
Lizzie veil’d her blushes:
Crouching close together
In the cooling weather,
With clasping arms and cautioning lips,
With tingling cheeks and finger tips.
“Lie close,” Laura said,
Pricking up her golden head:
“We must not look at goblin men,
We must not buy their fruits:
Who knows upon what soil they fed
Their hungry thirsty roots?”
“Come buy,” call the goblins
Hobbling down the glen.
Isn't that saucy?
Friday, April 15, 2016
This is Just to Say...
This is Just to Say
Here is a book of poetry
each poem mean and nasty
using the perpsective of nursery rhyme characters
mostly
it might make you feel poorly about poetry
then again it might be right up your alley
so as a librarian
I recommend this book
Forgive me
I don't usually like writing that tends toward meanness
but it's so funny
and it's inspired by the famous poet William Carlos Williams
so how can you argue with that?
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
2016 BCCCA Award Winner Announced
The 2016 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Winner has been announced! This year's winner is Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley! Congratulations Bill!To see a list of the 2016-17 BCCCA nominees, visit:
https://ola.memberclicks.net/bccca-nominees
If you are in 1st-3rd grade, you can participate in our Kids Book Club where we will discuss books from the 2016-17 BCCCA nominee list. Sign-ups begin in August 2016!
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Annual Courtyard Planting Day April 15, 2016
School's out on Friday April 15th! So stop by the library 2-3 p.m. to help beautify the library's courtyard! Every year, this annual living floral display cheers patrons of all ages during the spring and summer months. Each child who plants an annual in a courtyard planter will get to write their name on a marker stick and place it into the soil to mark the spot to remember where they planed their plant. Then they can come back later in the season and see how much their plant has grown!
After planting a flower, kids can plant bush bean and dwarf sunflower seeds to take home and watch grow. They'll also be able to make small garden art using special craft foil.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Weekend Story Times!
Finally, a story time for working families! For those who cannot make it to story time during the weekdays, we are excited to announce that we will be holding a special series of story times for all ages on Saturdays at 10:30 in the Puett Room. Bring the whole family to enjoy:
- Things That Go (April 16)
- Friendship (April 23)
- Dia de Los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (April 30)
- Comic Book Day (May 7)
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Beauty & The Beast Invitation
Beauty and the Beast
Come Journey with us to discover one of the most beautiful stories ever told. Join Belle and the Beast as they tell their tale. Belle is a young woman who knows not to judge a book by its cover and with that falls in love unexpectantly with the Beast. Together they open each others eyes to understanding, patience and standing up for the one you love.
Come Journey with us to discover one of the most beautiful stories ever told. Join Belle and the Beast as they tell their tale. Belle is a young woman who knows not to judge a book by its cover and with that falls in love unexpectantly with the Beast. Together they open each others eyes to understanding, patience and standing up for the one you love.
Prince and Princessy attire is optional.
WHEN: Tuesday April 12, 2016, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Burgess Community Room
WHO: All princess and princesses
NOTE: Cinderella & Prince Charming who were originally scheduled for this date have had to cancel. Beauty & The Beast will be taking their place.
NOTE: Cinderella & Prince Charming who were originally scheduled for this date have had to cancel. Beauty & The Beast will be taking their place.
Friday, April 8, 2016
National Poetry Monty: Fresh Poetry Picks
Check out these fresh new poetry books during National Poetry month!
by Julie Fogliano
Starting and ending with a bird "poking / a tiny hole / through the edge of winter" on the vernal equinox, readers can feel the taste, sights, sounds and smells of the four seasons through experiences of a small girl interacting with nature.
by Irene Latham
Cucumber submarines, blueberry fireworks, potatoes as "Crooked as / a "come here" / finger.", and mouse-sized okra swords. A bountiful farmers market feast awaits readers.
Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Travel to some amazing American landmarks and meet some talented American poets all without leaving your favorite reading spot. You may come away with an idea for a new family vacation destination or a new favorite writer!
A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young
by Michael Rosen
Nonsense words, silly sounds, and bouncy rhymes that beg to be read aloud and danced to, are what makes this new poetry book for the preschool set so fun.
by Judith Viorst
Daily joys, annoyances, hopes, and fears are brought to life through witty poems and the humorous illustrations of Lee White. My favorite, "Places I'd Like If..." explores the places a kid would like to visit if it weren't for all the scary stuff that can happen. "How soft and rainy woodland feels, / If bears did not eat kids for meals, / I'd like forests."
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Synchronicity
I just read three books in a row that all just so happened to have main characters in them to whom running was an important part of who they were. And they were all so great that I just had to share them.
First up: Maybe a Fox, by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee. Jules' sister Sylvie's burning wish is to "run faster so that..." but when she disappears, Jules never learns what would complete that sentence. At the same time that Sylvie disappears, a fox is born and she seems to have some connection to Jules' family. After already losing their mother, now Jules and their father are grieving the loss of Sylvie. Will Jules ever learn why Sylvie wanted to run faster? What is the connection between the fox kit and Jules?
Next: Far from Fair, by Elana K. Arnold. Odette Zyskowski runs a mile so fast, the school track coach tries to recruit her for the team. But it's too bad she won't be able to be on the team, because she'll be on a different kind of coach with her family. Her parents have sold their house and replaced it with a set of wheels; they'll be doing "road school" from now on. And on top of leaving the house, friends and school she has known her entire life, she also has to deal with the threat of her parents divorcing and the fact that her beloved grandmother is very ill.
And last but not least: All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, by Leslie Connor. One of Perry's favorite things to do is sprint down the hall and jump into his mom's arms for the swing-around. And with his new cross trainers, he is fast! The only thing unusual about this is that the hall happens to be in Block C of a prison. Perry was born and raised in a minimum security prison and the "rezzes" are like family to him. When an ambitious DA gets wind of Perry's situation, his mom's probation hearing is postponed and Perry is placed in foster care with none other than the ambitious DA himself, who also happens to be the step dad of his best friend in school. A school assignment leads Perry to want to tell the inmates' stories, including his mom's, but her story just doesn't quite add up. What really landed her in prison? Will they be able to continue their lives together on the outside as they both have dreamed?
I highly recommend all three of these books for upper elementary to middle school kids.
First up: Maybe a Fox, by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee. Jules' sister Sylvie's burning wish is to "run faster so that..." but when she disappears, Jules never learns what would complete that sentence. At the same time that Sylvie disappears, a fox is born and she seems to have some connection to Jules' family. After already losing their mother, now Jules and their father are grieving the loss of Sylvie. Will Jules ever learn why Sylvie wanted to run faster? What is the connection between the fox kit and Jules?
Next: Far from Fair, by Elana K. Arnold. Odette Zyskowski runs a mile so fast, the school track coach tries to recruit her for the team. But it's too bad she won't be able to be on the team, because she'll be on a different kind of coach with her family. Her parents have sold their house and replaced it with a set of wheels; they'll be doing "road school" from now on. And on top of leaving the house, friends and school she has known her entire life, she also has to deal with the threat of her parents divorcing and the fact that her beloved grandmother is very ill.
And last but not least: All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, by Leslie Connor. One of Perry's favorite things to do is sprint down the hall and jump into his mom's arms for the swing-around. And with his new cross trainers, he is fast! The only thing unusual about this is that the hall happens to be in Block C of a prison. Perry was born and raised in a minimum security prison and the "rezzes" are like family to him. When an ambitious DA gets wind of Perry's situation, his mom's probation hearing is postponed and Perry is placed in foster care with none other than the ambitious DA himself, who also happens to be the step dad of his best friend in school. A school assignment leads Perry to want to tell the inmates' stories, including his mom's, but her story just doesn't quite add up. What really landed her in prison? Will they be able to continue their lives together on the outside as they both have dreamed?
I highly recommend all three of these books for upper elementary to middle school kids.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Happy 100th Birthday Beverly Cleary!
Beloved children’s
book author Beverly Cleary was born on April 12th, 1916, in
McMinnville and raised in Portland. As a librarian, Cleary learned that
elementary school children were looking for and struggling to find books about
kids like themselves. In 1950, Cleary published her first book, Henry Huggins, which is about a boy, his dog, and his friends who live in the
Hollywood neighborhood in Portland.
Since then,
Beverly Cleary has published over 40 children’s books, most of which are still
in print and relevant to kids today. She has won many literary awards, including
the John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw and Newbery Honors for
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father. Her most recent
book, Ramona’s World, was published in 1999. Beverly Cleary now lives in
California so she can be near her family.
OPB is
celebrating with an Oregon Art Beat special “Discovering Beverly Cleary”—the first-ever documentary about the author. It includes a rare, new
interview with Beverly Cleary herself! Watch the special on Thursday, April 7th at 8:00 p.m. on OPB TV or online at: www.opb.org/beverlycleary.
Want to celebrate Beverly Cleary all month? Check out this blog post from the Oregon Library Association Children's Services Division. While it primarily is targeted towards libraries, it does contain a lot of ideas that will serve as story extensions.
There's also D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read), which happens every year on April 12th. So be sure to drop EVERYTHING and read that day!
Happy 100th Birthday Beverly Cleary! We love you and we love your books!
Friday, April 1, 2016
April is National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month. This year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary! National Poetry Month has evolved into the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry's vital place in our culture. I will be the first to admit that I got really bored with poetry when I was in school...all that breaking down of lines and figuring out meaning...it just didn't capture my interest. But as an adult, I have learned to enjoy children's poetry books as they are colorful and so much more easier to read and understand!
Here's a list of children's poetry books that I have been published within the past couple of years that I have enjoyed. I hope you and your child will be charmed by their beauty too!
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems that celebrates the wonder, mystery, and danger of the night and describes the many things that hide in the dark. This beautifully illustrated book won a 2011 Newbery Honor.
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian
Here's a fun illustrated collection of poems and collages about dinosaurs. And of course its perfect for dinosaur fans. They'll really devour this one!
Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems
Selected by Paul B. Janeczko
A selection of short American poems dealing with the four seasons and the different weather events and animal patterns that can occur within each. Also, I'm a big fan of Melissa Sweet's artwork too.
Flutter and Hum: Animal Poems = Aleteo y Zumbido: Poemas de Animales
by Julie Paschkis
All sorts of animals flutter and hum, dance and stretch, and slither and leap their way through this joyful collection of poems in English and Spanish. Julie Paschkis's words and art sing in both languages, bringing out the beauty and playfulness of the animal world.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer
Here's a collection of short poems called "reversos" which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature. So you can read it forwards and backwards and still read the same poem! This is such a fun and creative way to read poetry!
Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue
by Jon Agee
Have you ever gotten tripped up trying to say a silly succession of similar syllables? Try out these hilarious tongue twisters for yourself for lots of silly fun!
Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole
by Bob Raczka
25 haiku give readers a fresh, humorous perspective on Santa's December preparations. And rich illustrations pull readers into every wintry scene. Read now, or save to read later during the winter holidays.
Stardines Swim High Across the Sky And Other Poems
by Jack Prelutsky
Here's a collection of 16 humorous poems about imaginary strange creatures such as the stardine, slobster, and magpipe. Plus, the illustrations really make those make-believe critters seem awfully real too!
Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold
by Joyce Sidman
When winter comes, how will the animals brave the long and cold season of the north? Read poems of the Tundra Swan, the Big Brown Moose, and the Beaver, among other animals. There's also poems about snowflakes and ice. Each poem is accompanied by facts and background matter related to the subject at hand. I just love the linoleum block art illustrations in this book.
World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You've Never Heard Of by Patrick J. Lewis
Here's a collection of wild and wacky holidays that should be worth celebrating such as: Dragon Appreciation Day, Frog Jumping Day, Ohio Sheep Day, Worm Day, and National Sloth Day. Don't let these days go by without a small celebration of your own! Plus, this book is perfect for transitional readers to read on their very own thanks to the large font size and easier vocabulary.
Here's a list of children's poetry books that I have been published within the past couple of years that I have enjoyed. I hope you and your child will be charmed by their beauty too!
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems that celebrates the wonder, mystery, and danger of the night and describes the many things that hide in the dark. This beautifully illustrated book won a 2011 Newbery Honor.
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian
Here's a fun illustrated collection of poems and collages about dinosaurs. And of course its perfect for dinosaur fans. They'll really devour this one!
Selected by Paul B. Janeczko
A selection of short American poems dealing with the four seasons and the different weather events and animal patterns that can occur within each. Also, I'm a big fan of Melissa Sweet's artwork too.
Flutter and Hum: Animal Poems = Aleteo y Zumbido: Poemas de Animales
by Julie Paschkis
All sorts of animals flutter and hum, dance and stretch, and slither and leap their way through this joyful collection of poems in English and Spanish. Julie Paschkis's words and art sing in both languages, bringing out the beauty and playfulness of the animal world.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer
Here's a collection of short poems called "reversos" which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature. So you can read it forwards and backwards and still read the same poem! This is such a fun and creative way to read poetry!
Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue
by Jon Agee
Have you ever gotten tripped up trying to say a silly succession of similar syllables? Try out these hilarious tongue twisters for yourself for lots of silly fun!
Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka
25 haiku give readers a fresh, humorous perspective on Santa's December preparations. And rich illustrations pull readers into every wintry scene. Read now, or save to read later during the winter holidays.
by Jack Prelutsky
Here's a collection of 16 humorous poems about imaginary strange creatures such as the stardine, slobster, and magpipe. Plus, the illustrations really make those make-believe critters seem awfully real too!
by Joyce Sidman
When winter comes, how will the animals brave the long and cold season of the north? Read poems of the Tundra Swan, the Big Brown Moose, and the Beaver, among other animals. There's also poems about snowflakes and ice. Each poem is accompanied by facts and background matter related to the subject at hand. I just love the linoleum block art illustrations in this book.
World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You've Never Heard Of by Patrick J. Lewis
Here's a collection of wild and wacky holidays that should be worth celebrating such as: Dragon Appreciation Day, Frog Jumping Day, Ohio Sheep Day, Worm Day, and National Sloth Day. Don't let these days go by without a small celebration of your own! Plus, this book is perfect for transitional readers to read on their very own thanks to the large font size and easier vocabulary.
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