Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

Storytime: Fall

The air gets crisp, the nights grow longer, the leaves turn warm hues of yellow, orange, and red, and the scents of harvest ride the wind! It must be fall! There are so many sensory experiences associated with autumn that can last a lifetime. In addition to the items listed below, you might try some fall literacy activities here.

Also, September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! It’s a great time to visit the library and sign-up your young reader for their very own library card!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Scarves are very versatile and can be almost anything. Today we are going to pretend that our scarves are leaves falling to the ground along with the song, “Leaves Are Falling.” When you play with scarves at home, talk about what else the scarf can be and what you can do with it. This will help develop your child’s imagination and creativity.

 

 

Activity

Using a scarf, follow the actions indicated by the song, “Leaves Are Falling.”

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka

Rhyming text and illustrations portray the sights and sounds of autumn, from “rakers, leapers, and corn crop reapers” to “trickers, treaters, and turkey eaters.”

Book cover for Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy by Martha E. H. Rustad

 
Discusses the life cycle of leaves, describes how they change color in the fall, and provides instructions for an autumn art project.
Book cover for Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Fall is here, with all its wonderful visual delights–not just colors, but shapes! This clever concept book follows a family on a trip to a pumpkin patch and invites children to pick out shapes from the seasonal scenery–apple bushel circles, square hay bales, diamond kites in the autumn sky!

Book cover for The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

 
Squirrel enjoys looking at the beautiful, colorful leaves, but everyday more and more disappear which makes him think someone is stealing them. Includes information on seasonal leaf loss in Autumn.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Leaves Are Falling

(Tune: London Bridge)
Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down, all around the town.

The wind will blow them round and round, round and round, round and round
The wind will blow them round and round all around the town.

They’re drifting gently to the ground, to the ground, to the ground
They’re drifting gently to the ground, all around the town.

Take a rake a rake them up, rake them up, rake them up,
Take a rake and rake them up all around the town.

Source: Jbrary

Leaves Are Turning

(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)
The leaves are turning red,
The leaves are turning red,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning red.

The leaves are turning yellow,
The leaves are turning yellow,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning yellow.

The leaves are turning orange,
The leaves are turning orange,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning orange.

The leaves are turning brown,
The leaves are turning brown,
Hi, ho, the derrio,
The leaves are turning brown.

Source: King County Library System

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)
Once you were a seed so small (pinch fingers together)
Now you are a great big ball (make a big circle overhead)
Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)
How’d you get so big and round? (make a big circle)

Source: Storytime Katie

Look and see

Look and see, look and see! 
Can you find my leaf for me? 
Is it under the ___ ?

Source: The Librarian Is on The Loose

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

Source: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

A coloring page featuring a squirrel gathering acorns during the fall.

Fall Squirrel Coloring Page

 

 

A fall tree craft made by tearing colored tissue paper for the leaves and gluing them to the tree.

Fall Leaf Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Simple text and photographs explore the science behind the transformation that trees undergo in the fall.

Book cover for Leaves by David Ezra Stein

Leaves by David Ezra Stein

A curious bear observes how leaves change throughout the seasons.

Book cover for Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

A man made of leaves blows away, traveling wherever the wind may take him. On die-cut pages.

Book cover for Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant

 
Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. “All leaves fall in the fall,” say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The very first step is to talk about different emotions. Try using simple hand gestures or signs for each emotion as you read a book or look at pictures. For more information, visit the American Psychological Association at https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/emotion-regulation for more information.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Early experiences help to form the architecture of the brain and lay a strong foundation for both social and emotional development. Playing with children at a young age, experiencing the fun of taking turns and sharing, and discovering that it is fun to pass the ball to someone else and then get it back are great ways to learn important social and emotional skills. ~Reading Picture Books with Children by Lambert

 

Activity

With family members or friends, sit in a circle on the floor, and roll a ball to one anther while singing, “Roll that Round Ball.” Continue until everyone has had a chance to start rolling the ball.

Books Presented

Book cover for Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson

Bear’s animal friends come to his rescue when he becomes lost and frightened in the woods.
Book cover for Glad Monster, Sad Monster: A Book About Feelings by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda

Glad Monster, Sad Monster: A Book About Feelings by Ed Emberley

Monsters of different colors explain what makes them feel glad, sad, loving, worried, silly, and angry. Fold-out masks encourage readers to talk about their feelings.

Book cover for If You're Happy and You know It by Jane Cabrera

If You're Happy and You Know It! by Jane Cabrera

An elephant, a monkey, and a giraffe join other animals to sing different verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement. Sing, stomp, and clap along with animal friends in this interactive board book. Nod along with groovy giraffe, flap with baby bird, and roar out loud with lion in this sing-along action book that will put a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re happy and you know it, then this celebration is for you.
Book cover for Feelings are Wild by Sophy Williams

Feelings are Wild by Sophy Williams

It’s true! Feelings are wild! But whether we are grumpy or glad, brave or sad, with a big hug, a kind word, or a little time we can embrace all our wild and wonderful emotions. A warm and playful counting book to help little kids understand their big feelings.

Book cover for Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton

Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton

Clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings.
Book cover for The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr

Children express different moods, including “I feel very mad,” “I feel like reading books all day,” and “I feel like wearing funny underwear.”
Book cover for Never Touch the Grumpy Pets by Stuart Lynch

Never Touch the Grumpy Pets by Lynch Stuart

A rhyming story that counts down the woes of an unhappy group of five pets.

Book cover for Baby Feels by Thalita Dol

Baby Feels by Thalita Dol

Thalita Dol’s debut picture book, Baby Feels, is a book about feelings, but with a twist: it shows not only the basic feelings we usually see in similar books, but also those that aren’t always discussed. By showing these feelings that are very present in a baby’s daily life, this adorable board book will help care givers acknowledge their babies’ emotions.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Roll That Round Ball

(Tune: London Bridge)
Roll that round ball down to town,
Down to town, down to town,
Roll that round ball down to town,
Then roll it back to (name of person who rolled the ball first). 

Old MacDonald Felt so Glad

(to tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”)
Old MacDonald felt so glad (Happy)
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
And when he’s glad we sign it like this:
Happy Happy Happy
With a Happy Happy here and a Happy Happy there
Here a Happy, there a Happy everywhere a Happy Happy
Old MacDonald felt so glad.
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA

Repeat this, substituting the following emotions and signs:
Grumpy = Grr
Sad = Wah Wah
Silly = Hee Hee

Source: Jen in the Library

A Farmer Went Trotting

A farmer went trotting
(Bounce baby on lap, facing you)
Upon his gray mare
With his daughter behind him
So rosy and fair
Then a duck cried out, “Quack!”
(Lift baby up)
And they all tumbled down
(Slide baby down your shins) 
Off of the horse
And upside down!
(Tip baby gently backwards!)

Source: Orem Library

Round and Round the Garden

Round and round the garden goes the little bear
(Hold child’s hand with palm facing up and tickle with your fingers in a circular motion)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up arm)
And tickly under there! (Tickle underarm)

Round and round the haystack went the little mouse (Move fingers in walking motion around child’s tummy)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up body towards neck)
Into his little house (Tickle under neck)

Round and round the lighthouse up the spiral stair (Move fingers in walking motion around child’s feet)
One step, two steps, (Walk fingers up legs towards tummy)
And right up in the air! (Tickle child’s tummy)

Source: Parenthub

Two Little Black Bears Sitting on a Hill

Two little black bears sitting on a hill,
One named Jack and one named Phil,
Run away Jack, run away Phil.
Come back Jack, come back Phil.

Two little black bears digging in the snow
One named Fast and one named Slow…

Two little black bears feeling very proud
One named Quiet and one named Loud..

Source: Jbrary

Two Little Eyes

Two little eyes to look around
Two little ears to hear each sound
One little nose to smell what’s sweet
And one little mouth that likes to eat.

Source: Jbrary

Jump Up, Turn Around

From Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes…
Simple motions and a simply rhyme.
Say it as you play it and repeat two times.
Jump up
Turn around
Clap your hands
Stamp the ground
REPEAT
Let’s play it again, but this time try
To say it as you play and stretch your arms up high.
Let me suggest that this time you might
Say it as you play it with your eyes
closed tight.
Get ready my friends to take a deep breath
Because I challenge you to play it as you hold your breath.

Baby Sign Language

Sign for CLAPPING

More Book Babies

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APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Storytime: Cosmic Adventures

Let’s go on a cosmic adventure… with a parachute! You don’t need a parachute for the following activities. You can use a sheet or tablecloth. If you don’t have enough participants to lift it, securely tie the end to the legs of a sofa, bed, or table and watch the fun begin!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

A favorite game of many children, this exciting rhyme lets the children help count down from five to a blast-off at zero. They know what will happen when the count reaches zero, but the anticipation while counting makes this rhyme a great skill builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place. – “Reading Picture Books with Children” by Lambert

 

 

Activity

Give your child a cardboard tube or scarf and pretend it is a rocket ship or she is the astronaut at the controls. Ask her to count down with you and then lift your rockets high on blastoff. Or you can squat down with your child pretending to be a rocket, and jump up on blastoff.

Books Presented

Book cover for Pop Up Peekaboo Space

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Space

5,4,3,2,1 – blast off! Go on an out-of-this-world adventure with two brave astronauts, Daisy and Danny, in this lift-the-flap baby book. Rocket into space, past the stars and planets, and join them as they land on the moon. Discover brave astronauts, space rockets and funny alien spaceships in this imaginative pop-up book! Babies and toddlers can lift the flaps and watch them pop up from the page. This peekaboo picture book helps teach young children object permanence, which is an important step in childhood development. The simple rhyming text will boost your little one’s imagination as they guess which intergalactic character is hiding under the flaps. The easy-to-read text helps preschoolers remember the new words they are learning for early language development. Turning the sturdy, board book pages and moving the pop-ups help toddlers develop motor control for improved dexterity.

Book cover for Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

 
Gail, an adventurous snail, is willing to do what it takes to achieve her dream of traveling to outer space.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Universe Song

Tune: Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Oh the universe is great and the universe is far
There’s a whole lot planets and galaxies and stars
And we live right here on a planet called, Earth
and this is what we do our space adventure.
We take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down,
take the rocket ship up,
take the rocket ship down
Take the rocket ship up and the rocket ship down
and we turn around.

If You’re Happy and You Know It! Space Adventure

If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high
If you want to travel far and circle round the stars
If you want a space adventure, *lift it high

Verses: shake it fast, shake it slow

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom, 
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take a trip, 
Climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom, zoom, zoom! We’re going to the moon!

Far, far far, We’re going to the stars…

Fun, fun, fun, We’re going to the sun…

Source: Jbrary
Extra verses

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring an astronaut in space.

Astronaut in Space Coloring page

 

 

Paper craft with a spaceship flying through space.

Flying Spaceship Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella, Star Explorer by Kelly Leigh Miller

Stella loves the wonders of Outer Space, but it is only when she meets a fellow space traveler looking for a planet that her eyes are opened to the wonders of Earth.
Book cover for Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

Astronaut PiggyWiggy by Christyan Fox

 
A little pig imagines what it would be like to be a daring astronaut.
Book cover for Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Angry at being downgraded to a dwarf planet by Earth scientists, Pluto travels through the solar system, asking other planets along the way for support, in hopes of regaining his planetary status.
Book cover for Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold

During a visit to a space museum, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about planets, space crafts, space suits, and even dirty snowballs (i.e. comets)!

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: Adventures in the Dark

Storytime: Adventures in the Dark

Storytime: Adventures in the Dark

Some children are afraid of the dark, but with careful conversations, they can discover that, even in the dark or night time, they can find light and even an adventure!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

Books Presented

Book cover for Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex and his friend Pointy are planning a campout in the backyard, but they are both worried that the dark will be altogether too dark, so they plan on bringing a night light with them–but when the night light does not work they bravely open their eyes and discover the stars above.
Book cover for The Keeper of the Stars by Jennifer Harris

Keeper of the Stars by Jennifer Harris

Every night after his mom reads him three stories, Milo, who misses spending time with his absent father, carefully slides out from under the covers (without waking his mom) and tiptoes to the open window to wait for the friendly comet that will take him far above the clouds to help the Keeper of Stars. At the end of a long day, there’s lots to clean up in the sky: balloons, stray feathers, and once, even a befuddled paraglider! Together, Milo and the Keeper of Stars wash and polish the stars (which would be easier if they weren’t so ticklish!). And sometimes the Keeper of Stars lets Milo play games with the baby stars (who are more than a bit unruly and have a tendency to get tangled up). When everything is tidy, Milo and the Keeper of Stars share a snack of cocoa and herring fish sandwiches and admire the night sky that’s brimming with a million bright twinkles. Then the comet pulls Milo all the way back to his bedroom, where he slides into bed, nuzzles under the blanket and, at last, closes his eyes. A timeless story about the power of love and imagination.
Book cover for Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Possum is hiding from the sounds in the night, and his fear sets off a chain reaction in the other night animals.
Book cover for A Happy Place by Britta Teckentrup

A Happy Place by Britta Teckentrup

Takes readers on a magical, moonlit adventure following a tiny star and invites all to dance with a host of animals. But is it all a dream?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Looking for Some Stars

Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars.
Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars.
We think that we will take a look underneath the ________ book.
Far, far, far,
We’re looking for some stars. 5,4,3,2,1!

Can You Shake Your Egg With Me?

(Tune: London Bridge)
Can you shake your egg with me?
Shake your egg along with me
It’s as easy as can be
Now put it on your tummy!
(head, knee, ear, etc.)

Source: Jbrary

Roly Poly

(Tune: “Frère Jacques”)
Roly poly, roly poly
Up, up, up
up, up, up
Roly roly poly
roly roly poly
down, down, down
down, down, down
Repeat with: out/in, fast/slow

Source: Jbrary

Shake My Sillies Out

I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out.

 

Crafts and Activities

Family observing the stars coloring page

Stargazing Coloring Page

 

 

Flashlight paper craft

Flashlight Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Ella's Night Lights by Lucy Fleming

Ella's Night Lights by Lucy Fleming

A light-loving magical girl with mothlike wings that are too delicate to be out in the sun collects glowing objects while flittering about at night, sharing them with others who need them most until the day her animal friends decide to return her kindness.
Book cover for My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith

My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith

At bedtime, when lights go out, sometimes thoughts stay on. Scary things and worries flutter and flap around. It’s so hard to sleep! But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts–and sweet dreams for little ones.
Book cover for Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

In this story without words, a boy explores the woods after dark with a flashlight.
Book cover for Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child

Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child

When Uncle and Windy Girl attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Uncle’s stories inspire visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers — all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow.

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Storytime: Adventures Close to Home

Let’s go on an adventure… in your own backyard. Or perhaps you’d like to check out some of the great places in your community. Adventures close to home build lasting memories and relationships with your child. So, hop on a bike, load up the stroller and discover what’s hiding in your own backyard!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

From flip-flops and hide and seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, there is something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the summer season.
Book cover for The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

The Grunions’ house had many doors. But there was one door, that had never been opened before! The door that had never been opened before was built closed shut, locked tight, and never opened for a reason. A reason that nobody knew. Geraldine opened every door she ever found. Geraldine opened every door and went everywhere and met everyone and did everything. Everything, except one thing. Geraldine had never opened the Door that had never been opened before…not yet!
Book cover for Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Bert is certain he can ride his bike as well as Frank, but he is very wobbly! And even when they both try riding Frank’s bike it still goes very wrong! Will the best friends make it all the way down from the big hill? Of course! All they need is a little bit of confidence and trust in each other!
Book cover for The New Bicycle by Darcy Day Zoells

The New Bicycle by Darcy Day Zoells

Mari lives in a very normal house in a very normal neighborhood. One day, she gets a new bicycle. It’s bight, bold and brimming with possibilities! Mari sets off to see where her new bicycle will take her and her trip down the block becomes a fantastic adventure. During her journey, paving her own way, she meets new friends, transports precious cargo, and finds endless places to explore before returning home. An imaginative little road movie layered with meaning to ride along.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Wheels on the Bike

(tune: “The Wheels on the Bus”)
The wheels on the bike go round and round (roll hands over each other)
Round and round, round and round.
The wheels on the bike go round and round
All through the town.

Other Verses:
The pedals on the bike go up and down (move feet up and down)
The streamers on the bike go swish, swoosh, swish (move hands in a swishing motion)
The bell on the bike goes ding, ding, ding (pretend to ring a bell)
The basket on the bike holds all the things (make arms into a circle like a basket in front of you)
The handles on the bike go left and right (pretend hands on handlebar, steer left and right)….

Source: Jen in the Library

Mouse in the House

Little mouse, little mouse.
Are you in the _____ house?

Swimming

Swimming in the water cool and bright (pretend to swim)
I kick my feet with all my might (kick feet)
And when I’m tired I turn and float (spin and hold arms out)
Pretending that I’m a boat! (rock hands)
I like to hold my breath and dive (take a breath and bend down)
Swim beneath the water and count to five (count to five)
Wow! What a dive!

Source: Storytime Katie

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a child on a bike with a background of stars

Bicycle Coloring Page

 

 

Picture of a bicycle craft

Bicycle Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

A mother and son hop on their bike for a ride through the neighborhood, joining friends and neighbors along the way.
Book cover for Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

Bunnies are on the bus and causing all kinds of mayhem on the streets of Sunny Town.
Book cover for Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris

Kayla and Mateo enjoy passing drawings of dinosaurs to each other across the clothesline that runs between their apartment windows, but when the clothesline is taken down, the two children must find a new way to keep their story–and friendship going
Book cover for Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht

Today will be a busy day for Taxi! There are plenty of passengers to pick up, and they all need a ride–to a football game, a play, a business meeting, the airport, and more. Whizzing left, right, and through traffic, Taxi has to STOP for red lights and emergency vehicles. But after every stop, stop, stop, it’s Taxi…go, go, GO

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Storytime: Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts & Mysteries

Mysteries, scavenger hunts, and puzzles are not only great fun for both you and your child, but they also build critical thinking, problem solving and social skills. So, pull out a puzzle or go on a nature scavenger hunt together. When reading a book with a mysterious plot, help your child to look for clues in the illustrations or text and then make a “who-dunnit” deduction before the final reveal at the end.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

 

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson

Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson

Oliver has always dreamed about where he will fit. Will he be in the mane of a unicorn? The tentacle of a pirate squid? The helmet of an astronaut? When he finally goes in search of his perfect place, he finds that trying to fit in is a lot harder than he thought. But as with any puzzle, a little trial and error leads to a solution, and Oliver figures out exactly where he belongs.

Book cover for What About X?: An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert

What About X?: An Alphabet Adventure by Anne Marie Houppert

Ready to go on a camping trip with the Alphabet Academy? F packs fishing poles. J has juice boxes for everyone. T tackles a tent. But X can’t think of a thing to bring!

Book cover for Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood

Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood

When a 007-year-old embarks on a bedtime mission called Operation Lollipop, he’s prepared for every eventuality–except one.

Book cover for Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute

Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute

Deer wakes up to find one of his antlers is missing…and there’s a tennis racket in its place? One by one his friends also uncover that their important items from glasses to lucky boots have been swapped with silly, useless replacements like donuts and swim flippers. They’ve been hornswoggled! (Hornswoggled means tricked.) It’s pure poppycock! (Poppycock means nonsense.) Once they gather together to find out what happened, will they find the true thief or be outfoxed? Laugh along with a hilarious cast of animal characters searching for the mysterious trickster in this humorous whodunit bursting with exciting, wacky words that kids will love.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Very Last Puzzle Piece

Who has the very last puzzle piece? 
_______ has the very last puzzle piece!
Who me? 
Yes you! 
Couldn’t be! 
Then who? 
_______!

Source: Cooperative Summer Library Program

Where is Thumbkin?

Where is Thumbkin? 
Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you today, sir? 
Very well, I thank you,.
Run away, run away.

Verses: Where is pointer?
Where is tall man?
Where is ring man?
Where is pinky?

Source: Jbrary

The ABCs in 5 Different Tunes

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
London Bridge
Mary Had a Little Lamb
This Old Man
Head, shoulders Knees & Toes

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a camping scene and asking if you can find things in the picture.

Search and Find

 

 

Puzzles made from painted craft sticks.

Craft Stick Puzzle

Additional Books

Book cover for The Thingamajig by Rilla Alexander

The Thingamajig by Rilla Alexander

 
A young elephant embarks on a whimsical quest to find various lost objects belonging to their animal neighbors, uncovering a mystery as snail, squirrel, and ladybugs reveal their missing items. Backmatter pages explain the around-the-world origins of each nonsense word appearing in the story.
Book cover for We're Gong on a Treasure Hunt by Kelly DiPucchio

We're Going on a Treasure Hunt by Kelly DiPucchio

 
In this twist on “We’re going on a bear hunt,” swashbuckling pirates on a quest for buried treasure brave wicked whales, giant squids, booming thunder, and spine-tingling ghosts, but quake at the sight of a small mouse.
Book cover for I Spy Ocean Animals by Camelia Jacobs

I Spy Ocean Animals by Camelia Jacobs

 
A Children’s Ocean Animal Spy book with clear pictures and child-friendly colors to boost the children’s habit to explore and find. In this book children will learn to observe multiple ocean animal pictures and discover the correct one, and the next page provides the proper answer!
Book cover for How to Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley

How To Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley

When a wild boar with a passion for clover discovers a rare patch in the woods, he is determined to patiently stand guard until it blooms–but he is not the only clover enthusiast in the forest, and it takes reading a good book for him to figure out the mystery

More Story Times

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the same routine, your child knows what to expect and, perhaps, they will be more inclined to lay their head down when the stars begin to shine and the moon beckons them to sleep.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

“Child-adult relationships that are responsive and attentive—with lots of back and forth interactions—build a strong foundation in a child’s brain for all future learning and development. This is called “serve and return,” and it takes two to play!” – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/

Activity

Try to observe a “serve” from your child. Did she point at something or make a sound or facial expression? Then “return” the “serve” with an acknowledgement, hug, smile, etc. Try this a couple of times a day. When you return a “serve”, your child knows that their thoughts and feelings are understood.

Books Presented

Book cover for Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman

Count the funny animal friends as they noisily roll, flop, and tumble out of bed, one by one, in this clever split-page picture book.
Book cover for Rock-a-bye Baby by Jane Cabrera

Rock-a-bye Baby by Jane Cabrera

Different animals soothe their babies to sleep in this new version of the familiar folk song

Book cover for Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed? by Barney Saltzberg

Cornelius P. Mud, Are you Ready for Bed? by Barney Saltzberg

Cornelius the pig has his own style when preparing for bed, but he does not really feel ready until he gets a hug.

Book cover for Do Mommies Ever Sleep? by Kim Howard

Do Mommies Ever Sleep? by Kim Howard

A baby imagines all the reasons why mommies never seem to sleep, failing to understand that it is often because babies need so much attention

Book cover for Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

At bedtime, a little llama worries after his mother puts him to bed and goes downstairs.
Book cover for Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli

Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli

When it is time for bed, a baby marvels at his new big kid bed.
Book cover for When Stars Arise by E.G. Alaraj

When Stars Arise by Evangelene Alaraj

A dusky rural landscape and comforting bedtime routine draw a child closer to sleep in this illustrated lullaby board book.

Book cover for Good Night, Baby

Good Night, Baby

Babies from all over the world get ready for bed, and say “good night” in fifteen of the world’s most spoken languages.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

There Were Five in the Bed

There were five in the bed (Hold up five fingers)
And the little one said, “Roll over, roll over!” (Make rolling motion)
So they are rolled over and one fell out. (Hold up one finger & surprised face)
*Countdown until one.

There was one in the bed (Hold up one finger)
And the little one said, “Goodnight!” (Sign language- goodnight)

Source: Storytime Katie

Giddyap Giddyap

Giddyap, giddyap ride to town
Giddyap, giddyap up and down
Giddyap fast, giddyap slow
Giddyap, giddyap WHOA! (lean baby back)

Source: Verona Storytime

Hey Diddle Diddle

Hey, diddle, diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon;
The little dog laughed
To see such sport,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Elephants at the Zoo

(tune of Farmer in the Dell)
The elephants at the zoo, the elephants at the zoo,
They stomp and stomp and stomp and stomp, the elephants at the zoo

The lions at the zoo…roar

The monkeys at the zoo…jump

The animals at the zoo, the animals at the zoo, they close their eyes and sleep at night. The animals at the zoo.

Source: Adapted from Read Sing Play

Lift One Foot and Then the Other

Lift one foot and then the other,
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift one foot and then the other
Lift them both together.
(Verses: Lift one leg, clap your hands and keep on clapping)

Source: Jbrary

Here is a Baby

Here is a baby ready for a nap
Hold up index finger
Lay her down in her mother’s lap
Place index finger in palm of other hand
Cover her up so she won’t peek
Curl fingers of other hand around index finger
Rock her till she’s fast asleep.
Swing hands gently together.

Source: Mel’s Desk

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

Storytime: Adventures in Imagination

Storytime: Adventures in Imagination

Storytime: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help your child expand their universe with their imagination!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Reading is one of the best ways to foster imagination. The more we read, the better we can build up and expand our knowledge. We can be open to new ideas and have an understanding of new things. ~http://worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-enhances-imagination/

 

Activity

When you read a book with your child, run your finger under the title as you read the words. If the book has a repeated phrase, run your finger under those words as well. Encourage your child to say the repeated phrase, methodically pointing to each word as he says it. ~Lambert

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Pete the Cat's Groovy Imagination by Kim Dean

Pete the Cat's Groovy Imagination by Kim Dean

When a cloudy gray sky cancels Pete the Cat’s beach day plans, a big box is all he needs to beat the rainy-day blues.

Book cover for Manolo and the Unicorn by Jacki Azúa Kramer

Manolo & the Unicorn by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Despite being teased by his classmates, Manolo continues to believe in unicorns and meets one of the magical creatures on his way home from school.

Book cover for Ready to Soar by Cori Doerrfeld

See This Little Dot by Jane Yolen

Illustrates the characteristics and possible functions of a dot.

Book cover for Are You a Monster? by Guilherme Karsten

Are You a Monster? by Guilherme Karsten

Warning! This book contains a monster. A really angry, really scary, really bad monster… or so the monster says. And Monster has a very important question: are you a monster too? A fun interactive read-aloud picture book that will have children of all ages roaring and stomping along, as Monster encourages them to be the scariest monster possible.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Pete In The Box

Pete in the box*
sits so still
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!
*rocket ship, submarine, race car

Unicorn, Unicorn

Unicorn, unicorn
Where can you be?
Are you behind the _______ tree?

Polka-Dot Monster

(tune: I’m a little teapot)
I’m a little monster, friendly and bright.
I promise I won’t give you a fright.
I really love polka dots, but I have none.
So step right up and give me [color] ones.

Source: Little Bit Librarian

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a hippo flying an airplane.

Adventures in Your Imagination

 

 

Airplane craft made from folding paper strips and gluing them together onto a blue background.

Monster Mask

Additional Books

Book cover for I Lived Inside a Whale by Xin Li

I Lived Inside a Whale by Xin Li

A young girl escapes from a too loud and busy world by living inside a whale, but when her retreat is disturbed by an intruder, she learns people will be quiet and listen whenever she tells a story.

Book cover for Daddy, Tell Me a Story by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Daddy, Tell Me a Story by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Daddy’s bedtime story turns into a collaborative and unforgettable tale thanks to Sophie’s narrative revisions.

Book cover for What If Bedtime Didn't Exist? by Francine Cunningham

What If Bedtime Didn't Exist? by Francine Cunningham

A whimsical and lyrical celebration of imagination and exploration if we simply asked, “What if . . .” Follow two siblings through their day as they let their imaginations run wild in this joyful story about all the possibilities a simple “what if” can conjure up: What if the monsters in your closet wanted to be your friend? What if all of the dinosaurs were shrunk to be teeny-tiny when the comet hit the earth? And what if bedtime didn’t exist and we could imagine anything we wanted? What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist? places an Urban Indigenous family at the heart of a fun and fantastical celebration of daydreaming, adventure, and play while living in the city. The tenderness and care in this intergenerational home is seen through relationships with all members in the family.

Book cover for Daisy the Daydreamer by Jennifer P. Goldfinger

Daisy the Daydreamer by Jennifer P. Goldfinger

Daisy’s daydream clouds sometimes get in the way, but she and her teacher find a creative way to make things work for her

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Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

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Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

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Storytime: Purple

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

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Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

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Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help your child expand their universe with their imagination!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Imagination needs to be stretched and used just like your child’s muscles! Don’t be afraid to create a world using your imagination and play with your child!

Activity

Using typical household items such as a sheet and chairs, bowls and spoons, or boxes, have a pretend play session by turning the sheets into a tent, or the bowls and into boats and paddles, or the box into a cave.

Books Presented

Book cover for There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

Encourages the reader to shake, tilt, and wiggle the book to remove the little monster inside, but once it is out, another problem arises.

Book cover for Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricielli

Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli

A little girl. One swing. An obliging dad. The inevitable plea to go “Higher! Higher!” An everyday pastime reaches new heights of humor and whimsy. How high can it go? Higher than a giraffe? Taller than a mountain? Is Earth the final frontier?

Book cover for Let's Play Monsters! by Lucy Cousins

Let's Play Monsters! by Lucy Cousins

Inspired by a game played by the author with her own grandchild, a crayon-bright story by the award-winning creator of the Maisy series invites little monsters to munch, scrunch, gobble and moo their way through imaginative interactions with loved ones before settling down to sleep.

Book cover for Sitting in My Box by Dee Lillegard

Sitting in My Box by Dee Lillegard

The box in which all the animals are sitting gets more and more crowded until a hungry flea comes along.

Book cover for Today I'll be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Today I'll be a Unicorn

Who wouldn’t want to be a unicorn? The stars of Phoebe and Her Unicorn celebrate the magical and enchanting world of being a unicorn in this charming board book.

Book cover for Crinkle, Crinkle, Little Car by Jay Fleck

Crinkle, Crinkle, Little Car by Jay Fleck

In the style of the starry nursery tune, a noisy little car zooms through the night sky, waking the Moon, Mars, and the stars with his noisy honking–until finally he returns home to a good night’s sleep. The reader is invited to touch the textured material on each page to make a crackly, crinkly sound.

Book cover for Faster! Faster! by Leslie Patricelli

Faster! Faster! by Leslie Patricelli

A funny tale of few words about a day at the park and a ride on Daddy’s back.

Book cover for The Button Book by Sally Nicholls

The Button Book by Sally Nicholls

Follow a group of animal friends as they discover a collection of mysterious buttons, all of which do different things! From a blue singing button to a purple tickle button, from a rude sound button to a mysterious white button, there’s only one way to find out what they do: press them all! And thankfully, there’s even a sleeping button to lull the animals to sleep after a busy day.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Grand Old Duke of York

The Grand Old Duke of York 
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill 
And he marched them down again. 
And when they’re up, they’re up. 
And when they’re down, they’re down. 
And when they’re only halfway up 
They’re neither up nor down.

Oh he marched them to the left.
And he marched them to the right.
Then he marched them up to the top of the hill,
And marched them out of sight. 

Source: Jbrary

5 Little Leaves

Five little leaves so bright and gay,
Were dancing in a tree one day.
The wind came blowing through the town,
One little leaf came tumbling down.
(4,3,2,1…)

Source: Literacious

The Acorn Song

I’m an acorn small and round
lying on the cold, cold, ground
people always step on me
that is why I’m cracked you see
I’m a nut (clack, clack)
I’m a nut (clack, clack)
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut (clack, clack)

Source: Jbrary

Roly Poly

(Tune: “Frère Jacques”)
Roly poly, roly poly
Up, up, up
up, up, up
Roly roly poly
roly roly poly
down, down, down
down, down, down

Repeat with: out/in, fast/slow

Source: Jbrary

 

Can You Shake Your Egg With Me?

(Tune:London Bridge)
Can you shake your egg with me?
Shake your egg along with me
It’s as easy as can be
Now put it on your tummy!
(head,knee,ear,etc.)

Source: Jbrary

The Monsters Stomp Around the House

The monsters stomp around the house
hurrah, hurrah
The monsters stomp around the house
hurrah, hurrah
The monsters stomp around the house
Their brothers and sisters kick them out
So they stomp some more outside, oh yeah
Around the house
Boom, boom, boom

Source: Jbrary

Baby Sign Language

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FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

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Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

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This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

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