Beatrix Potter: Her Life & Works

Calling all adults who love children's literature!  

Terese Blanding of Billings, Montana will share the story of Beatrix Potter, the creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other well-known books. Potter escaped the confines of a restrictive household in Victorian times to become one of England's most successful writers, naturalists, businesswomen, and sheep breeders.  Books, drawings, and other Potter memorabilia will be exhibited.  Come hear this fascinating lecture on Wednesday September 14th at 7-8 p.m. in the Burgess Community Room.

NPR's Storybook Project

Through an NPR project, a group of more than 25 authors, actors, politicians, philanthropists, scientists and musicians each shared five stories that they absolutely love reading to their children. The Storybook Project, created by Jessica Deahl from NPR’s All Things Considered, launched earlier this month at http://nprstorybook.tumblr.com/with recommended titles from author Edwige Danticat; comedian/actor/producer couple Adam and Naomi Scott (known for Parks & Rec, Hot Tub Time Machine, Step Brothers); writer/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji, Polar Express, etc.); chef/cookbook author/food education advocate Jamie Oliver; and Yale law professor/author Amy Chua.

In addition, everyone is welcome to submit storybook picks at the Tumblr page - http://nprstorybook.tumblr.com/ask.   In the coming weeks, NPR will share more storybook lists contributed by:

· Bill de Blasio & Chirlane McCray - Mayor and First Lady of New York City

· Carson Ellis & Colin Meloy - writer / illustrator (Wildwood Chronicles series); Colin is a musician, part of the band The Decembrists

· Diablo Cody - screenwriter/film director (Juno, United States of Tara)

· Gail Simmons - chef, cookbook author and Top Chef judge

· Jack Johnson - musician

· Jewel - musician

· Laura Bush - former First Lady of the United States

· Maz Jobrani - comedian and panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

· Melinda Gates - co-founder of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

· Samantha Power - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

· Tamera Mowry - actress (Sister Sister), model and host of talk show The Real

· Wendy Kopp - founder of Teach for America

· And many others!

And the honor goes to...

...Jan Thomas!!!

Up to this point, my story times all center around a certain theme. But I have some favorite authors, and so I decided to plan some author story times. So Jan Thomas has the great honor of being the first. And she deserves it. I think I have probably blogged about her before, but she is GREAT! Her books are so much fun for ages 2 to 6. They really encourage active participation by your child which is a great way to develop the early literacy skill, print motivation, or in other words, enjoyment of books.

I just have to share the Rhyming Dust Bunnies that the kids created to hang on our bulletin board in the story time room.

In Memorium: Jean Craighead George

Newbery-winning author and naturalist Jean Craighead George, who inspired many children to pursue careers in the natural sciences, died May 15th in New York. George wrote more than 100 books for young adults, including the popular Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves.  Since writing her first book in 1949, she strived to bring a love of nature to her readers.  Click here for an obituary from School Library Journal.