Back to School Blues?

School is starts a week from today.  I can't believe summer is coming to an end.  Wow, time sure does fly!  Do you have some kiddos at home dreading going back to school in September?  Well, here's some fun picture books that just might help them get back into their regular school routine and make them excited to go back to class!



Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
A young child imagines going off to Kindergarten as a journey to another planet

Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School by Adam Auerbach
Edda, the littlest Valkyrie, leaves the magical land of Asgard to attend school in hopes of making a friend her own age, but feels like an outcast until she finds her courage and learns that being different makes her special.

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
Mr. Fish recalls how, on his very first day of school, he anxiously went to one classroom after another watching students do things he could not, until Miss Hewitt showed him to the room that was right for beginners.

A Big Day for Migs! by Jo Hodgkinson
Migs' first day of school gets off to a rough start, but he overcomes his shyness to ask for help from his new classmates and makes the day special for everyone.








Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio
Tired of school, Charlie envies his dog and wishes he could be a dog, too, but when his wish comes true he discovers that his life was not all bad.









Ninja Boy Goes to School by N.D. Wilson
A little boy explains what it's like to go to school--when you're a ninja.










My Teacher is a Monster (No. I Am Not) by Peter Brown
Bobby thinks his teacher, Ms. Kirby, is horrible, but when he sees her outside of school and they spend a day in the park together, he discovers she might not be so bad after all.








On My Way to School by Sarah Maizes
Livi imagines herself as an elephant, a Sherpa leading an expedition up Mount Everest, and a movie star signing autographs as she tries to avoid going to school.

Little Lola by Julie Saab
After climbing aboard a school bus, a curious cat spends an enjoyable day at school.

Ninja Power!

Calling all small ninja fans!  Ninja's have really been taking on the picture book scene lately...and there's some pretty good ones out now too that are lots of fun.  Check out some of these titles:

Dojo Daycare by Chris Tougas
One morning, six young ninjas are dropped off at Dojo Daycare. As soon as their ninja moms and ninja dads have left: KABOOM! KAPOW! The ninja boys and girls kick, push, punch, and quickly turn the place upside down in a full-blown ninja riot. Try as he might, the hapless master can't control the children, and the disaster plays out through lunchtime and story time. No one heeds the master's repeated mantra of honor, kindness, and respect-- until one little ninja steps up and rallies his ninja pals to undo all that they have done, just in time for pickup.





Ninja! by Arree Chung
A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission. There may be obstacles! But have no fear--a true ninja can overcome all challenges









Ninja Boy Goes to School by Nathan D. Wilson
A little boy explains what it's like to go to school--when you're a ninja.













Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents The Way of the Ninja by David Bruins
In this story about friendship, the daring ninja learns that the greatest thrills and the best adventures are the ones we share.









Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop by Todd Tuell
Basic illustrations and simple, rhyming text reveal a young ninja who uses his special moves to sneak up on the family dog, take a cookie from his brother, and escape Granny's kisses, but before day is done he meets his match.







The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
In this twist on "The Three Little Pigs" tale, Pig One and Two neglect their ninja school martial arts training and are no match for the wolf, but Pig Three's practice and dedication saves the day. Includes glossary of Japanese martial arts terms.










Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps
Although ninjas should be silent and use stealth, Wink finds his enthusiasm gets him into trouble with his teacher until he finds the perfect way to express both traits.

You Wouldn't Want to be a Ninja Warrior: A Secret Job That's Your Destiny by John Malam
This non-fiction book examines the skills needed to become a ninja, including practicing with weapons everyday, listening and not asking questions, and keeping identity secret.  Perfect for ages 8 and up.

Books With Umbrellas!

Since April Showers bring May flowers, it would only be appropriate to explore books that focus on umbrellas as one of its story characters.  Have fun with your umbrella with these books, but don't get the pages wet!!!

Ella, Of Course by Sarah Weeks
When Ella is banned from bringing her umbrella to the dance recital, she comes up with an ingenious solution to the problem.  Just look how Ella peeks out from behind her umbrella!

One Rainy Day by M. Christina Butler
When Little Hedgehog goes for a walk one rainy day, his new umbrella proves its value in most unexpected ways.

The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Carlos goes into the cloud forest to look for animals, but he manages to miss seeing them even though they have an adventure with his umbrella.

Where is Rusty? by Sieb Posthuma

A sweet picture book about a curious young dog, Rusty, who gets lost in a big department store. When Rusty goes shopping with his mother, Henrietta, and Toby, his nose leads him astray and on a new adventure.  Can you see him hiding among the umbrellas?








Zig and the Magic Umbrella by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Zig, a small, blue creature who lives in a rainy, gray world, grabs hold of a red umbrella and is carried away to a colorful forest where he becomes a hero--and a friend.







And when you are done reading your books, here's a song to sing while you are out in the rain under your umbrella:

Come Under My Umbrella 

(Sung to the Tune of "Have You Ever Seen a Lassie?")

Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella

Come under my umbrella, it's starting to storm

With thunder and lightning

And wind and rain

Come under my umbrella, it's starting to storm

I Like Frogs

Miss Holly really likes frogs.  In honor of her love of these little amphibians, there's been some books published books within the last few years about frogs that you are sure to enjoy.  Included here are picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels.

PICTURE BOOKS

999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kirmura
It's spring and 999 frogs wake up, they decide to awaken a still sleeping turtle, lizard, ladybugs, and a big snake.











Ah Ha! by Jeff Mac
With simple repeated text the story follows the ups and downs of a frog's day.  A perfect book for showing and explaining expressions.

The Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long
Frogs sing and do their own version of the Hokey Pokey.

Frog and Fly: Six Slurpy Stories by Jeff Mack
Through a series of easy-to-read scenes, Frog always gets the better of Fly but in the end, Fly has the last word.











The Frog Who Lost His Underpants by Juliette MacIver
A frog lost his underpants and he looks all over the jungle to locate them,

I Don't Want to be a Frog by Dev Pett
A frog who yearns to be any animal that's cute and warm discovers that being wet, slimy, and full of bugs has its advantages.  This also makes a good read for youngsters to learn about self acceptance.

The Night Riders by Matt Furie
A frog and a rat go on a bicycle ride through the forest at night, encountering a dragon and other creatures along the way.

Ribbit Rabbit by Candace Ryan
Frog and Bunny are the best of friends, even though sometimes they get into fights.

JUVENILE FICTION

An Army of Frogs by Trevor Pryce
While the Kulipari, the Amphibilands elite fighting group of poisonous frogs, is away, young Darel hopefully assembles a motley crew of friends to fend off an attack by the spell caster called the Spider Queen, and Lord Marmoo, leader of the scorpions.

Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout by Megan McDonald
Stink has been in the Polliwog swim class for what seems like frog-ever, and still can't bear to put his face in the water. Then, one day, Stink has a close encounter with a freaky mutant frog. All of a sudden, his froggy senses are tingling!  (This is book #8 of the Stink Series)

Stop That Frog! by Henry Winkler
When the principal has to be away from school at a conference, Hank's class agrees to take care of the principal's special pet frog, and Hank is chosen to take the frog home for the weekend. (This is book #3 of the Here's Hank series)

JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS

Anna and Froga: Thrills, Spills and Gooseberries  by Anouk Ricard
Join Anna, Froga, Ron, Bubu, and Christopher as they get stuck in the haunted house at the county fair with a truly terrifying ticket-taker; as Froga combats a scourge of snails in her garden; and as Bubu has ill-fated dreams of being a great painter.  (Part of the Anna and Froga series)

Pete Bogg: King of the Frogs by Scott Sonneborn
Pete Bogg is a twelve-year-old half-human, half-frog who has lived in the swamp with his frog father his whole life, but because of his human half he does not really fit in with the other frogs in school--so he sets out to experience the human world and find out if he can manage to live in both








Stinky Cecil in Pond Rescue by Paige Braddock
Cecil learns that the new highway will be coming right through his pond.  Cecil gets the attention of all his neighbors and friends to stop the construction.  Note: This book is currently on order and is unavailable to place on hold at this time.  We will place a link to the catalog once it is available.  We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Go Bananas!

Ok, let's admit, we all go a little bananas sometimes.  Here's some fun books about bananas that will be certain to tickle your little one's funny bone...and maybe encourage them to eat some fruit for a snack too!



Banana! By Ed Vere
Colorful illustrations and brief text show how two monkeys learn to share when there is only one banana between them.  A perfect book for learning the difference between exclamation points and question marks too!

Betty Goes Bananas by Steve Antony
Betty gets upset when she can't peel a banana.  When Tucan comes along, he can peel it, but Betty gets upset again because he could do it and she couldn't.  This is a perfect book for learning that one can't always get their way and that one doesn't need to always throw a tantrum.  Plus, it combines nutrition for your body as well as your little one's soul!





The Monkey Goes Bananas by C.P. Bloom
Monkey, having spied a banana tree across the water, will stop at nothing to get a snack.  What a silly monkey!


Once Upon a Banana by Jennifer Armstrong
Everyday signs serve as captions for this pictorial tale of what happens after a man tosses a banana peel into the garbage can and misses.










Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana by James Dean
Pete the Cat bites into a bad banana and vows never to eat bananas again, even though he generally likes the fruit.





And here's a fun action rhyme you can do with your little one.  And be sure to chant the words in a steady rhythm while acting out the actions! Click HERE to watch a video of the action rhyme before trying it out!

Form the Orange

Form the orange,

Form, form the orange.

(Hold hands apart in half circles, slowly bring together)

Peel the orange,

Peel, peel the orange.

(Keep thumbs together, slowly separate finger-tips)

Squeeze the orange,

Squeeze, squeeze the orange.

(Give yourself a great big hug)

Form the banana,

Form, form the banana.

(Slowly bring palms together over your head)

Peel the banana,

Peel, peel the banana.

(Slowly separate palms)

Go bananas,

Go, go bananas!

(Dance any way you please)

Calling All Families with Preschoolers!

Do you want to spend a fun morning singing, reading, and creating projects with your child?
Do you want learn playful ways to help your child get ready to read?
Join us at the library for Fun With Letters, an early literacy workshop designed for parents and children ages 3-5.
Sound interesting? Call the Children's Desk to register: 503-718-2656.
Workshop will be held Saturday, May 18 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Puett Room

Trains Book List

The Trains picture book list has been completely updated. Check out all the great titles we have for your preschoolers on this popular subject.

 

Annual Preschool Resource Fair--February 2nd

Find out which preschools, activities, and resources are available in the area at the

Annual Preschool Resource Fair!

WHEN: Saturday February 2nd, 10 am to 1pm
WHERE: Tigard Methodist Church Gym, 9845 Walnut Place, Tigard
COST: FREE!!!

Come meet with preschools and businesses serving children in Tigard and surrounding areas.  Gather information and learn about educational programs and resources available to you and your preschooler.  The library will host story times at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm along with simple crafts.  Other interactive stations will be available throughout the fair. 

The Preschool Resource Fair is broguth to you by Tigard Playschool.

Annual Courtyard Planting Day--May 10

Our annual Preschool Story Time Courtyard Planting Day will be this week---Thursday May 10th thanks to the sunnier and warmer weather we are having.  Please bring your preschool aged child, between ages 3 to 6 at 1:15 p.m. to hear stories about flowers, then take turns planting flowers in the courtyard planters.  Each child who plants a flower will mark it with a stake with their name on it so they can watch their plant grow throughout the summer.   Kids will also make their own paper flower basket and make their own silk flower arrangement to place in them.  It's gonna be flowers galore this thursday at the library!!!

A sample of flowers preschool storytime children planted in the past