Storytime: Mystery

Storytime: Mystery

Storytime: Mystery

In November, we will learn about the letter, “M”! Of course, we might have a mystery to solve, too. So, look at the clues in these stories and activities, and see if you can solve a mystery.

Join us Monday, 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

Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice beginning sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home, on a walk, or at the grocery store. Choose words with distinctive, easy-to-hear beginning sounds. For example, if you’re in the bathroom you can say, “I spy something red that starts with the “s” ssss sound (soap).”

Books Presented

Cows Go Boo! by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers

Who's Hiding? by Agnes Baruzzi

Kids will love discovering what animal is hiding behind the fold out flap on each spread of this beautiful book! Rhyming text gives the reader clues about which animal it could be, and the fold outs reveal the surprise. The animals included are rabbits, deer, frogs, ladybugs, birds, and lizards.

 

Peek in My Pocket by David A. Carter

With each turn of the page, animals give clues to the hidden surprises in their pockets with hints that include shapes and colors. Kids will love guessing the secret and lifting the flaps to find the answers. The fun, rhyming text is just right for toddlers, and the final surprise–a new friend to play with–makes a perfect peekaboo partner.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Crafts and Activities

Pumpkin seek and find!

Make magnifying glasses out of various shapes with your mini sleuth!

Additional Books

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg

Annie searches the neighborhood for her red mitten, the fifth she’s lost this winter.

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

An interactive introduction to farm animals invites youngsters to make animal noises and practice color and letter recognition while peeping through a spy hole on every page and observing clues to guess which animal will be revealed next in the story.

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg

Annie searches the neighborhood for her red mitten, the fifth she’s lost this winter.

The Bubble Mystery

Toot-Toot likes swimming in a bubbly pond… but why are there so many bubbles?

More Story Times

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU! in November

Discover your new favorite story! We've curated a collection of fresh books, each paired with a special activity to spark your child’s imagination and extend the fun.Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the...

Story Time: P is for Pie

Who needs rhythm sticks when you've got a house full of instruments? You and your child can grab paper towel tubes, empty tin cans, or even a pair of chopsticks and get ready to make some noise. Start by keeping the beat to old favorites like "If You’re Happy and You...

Story Time: P is for Pigs

How did the pig write his novel? With a pig pen. Or… what’s it called when a bunch of pigs compete in athletic games? The Olympigs. And… how do pigs write top-secret messages? With invisible oink! All jokes aside, pigs are amazing creatures. They are one of the...

Story Time: P is for Pirates

Did you know that pirates often had unique and colorful names like "Blackbeard," "Calico Jack," and "Anne Bonny?" These names made them sound fierce and mysterious. Even though they were the “robbers of the high seas,” their spirit of adventure and exploration has...

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU in October

Did you know Halloween can be turned into a spook-tacular literacy activity for you and your child? Read Halloween books to introduce new words and foster a love for reading. Try describing your favorite Halloween characters and put them into a play or story. Play...

Story Time: M is for Moon

Buckle up for a thrilling journey to the moon! Join your little astronaut on an out-of-this-world adventure with our collection of silly, fun, and fact-filled books! Each page is a new discovery, each story a new mission. And don't forget the exciting activities that...

Story Time: M is for Monsters

Monster books can be magical because they help children understand differences, their feelings, and their emotions. They allow children to explore and overcome fears in a safe environment, helping them build emotional strength and problem-solving skills. So, check out...

Story Time: M is for Magic

Abracadabra, Alakadoon. When I say KAZAM, you’ll all be baboons! KAZAM! Magic isn’t just about tricks. The world of magic can tap into your child’s innate sense of wonder and curiosity. It is a world of possibilities and can foster imagination, problem solving skills,...

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

Turkeys, I spy, and learning how to sign, “thank you,” are the things our babies and toddlers are learning this month. Try the activity with your toddler from BusyToddler.com for a fun alternative to screen time. And have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!

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
Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice forming sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home. Find a book with animals, vehicles, or objects that make noises. Then, with Baby, say, “I spy something that goes… moo!” Help your child point to the cow on the page and say, “What is that? It’s a cow and it goes… moo!” Repeat with other objects in the book.

Sensory Activity

Golf Tee Push: Fine Motor Skills Activity — Here is an easy-to-assemble activity that not only helps your child develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and spatial awareness, but also gives you a bit of free time. All the only thing you need are golf tees and a box! Thanks to the creators of BusyToddler.com, you can find this and other sensory building activities HERE

Books Presented

Cows Go Boo by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

An interactive introduction to farm animals invites youngsters to make animal noises and practice color and letter recognition while peeping through a spy hole on every page and observing clues to guess which animal will be revealed next in the story.

Find Spot by Stacey Previn

Encourages young readers to find the hidden spots in a book filled with peek-through die-cut holes.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

The antics of ten fat turkeys on a fence illustrate counting from ten to one.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Based on the classic song about the old woman who swallowed a fly, this retelling with a twist features an old lady attending a Thanksgiving dinner who swallows a pie, then a whole squash, all of the salad, and then an entire turkey. In the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

Over in the Meadow: a Traditional Counting Rhyme by Louise Voce

From one little turtle to ten little foxes playing in the meadow, the beloved nursery song introduces young children to numbers and counting.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Turkeys

Two little turkeys sitting on a hill
One named Jack, the other named Jill
Run away Jack, run away Jill
Come back Jack, come back Jill
(cloud/quiet & loud, pole/fast & slow, sky/low & high)

If You’re Thankful and You Know It

If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
(stomp your feet, shout “hooray”, do all three)

The Farmer’s Field

Tune of “All Around the Mulberry Bush”

All around the farmer’s fields,
We picked some blueberries
We brought them home and washed them off,
Pop! Go the berries! (jump up on “pop”)

… yellow bananas
… red ripe apples
… green beans
… orange pumpkins

Baby Sign Language

Baby Needs a Diaper Change

Tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”

Baby needs a diaper change
Diaper change,
Diaper change
Baby needs a diaper change
Please and thank you!

Here are the Sign language signs:
Baby: (rock arms in cradle back and forth)
Diaper: (pinch fingers like clothes pins next to face)
Change: (wring hands in a fist )
Please: (rub chest)
Thank you: (hand to chin and out)

Additional Books

I Spy with My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

Thanksgiving Parade by Melanie Matthews

March along with the Thanksgiving parade.

Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

More Book Babies

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

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...

Kid + Tween STEAM: Pom Pom Poppers!

Kid + Tween STEAM: Pom Pom Poppers!

Have lots of POPPING fun with this Pom-Pom Popper! The kit includes:

  • Paper clips
  • Balloons
  • Rubber bands
  • Launch material

Directions: 
1 – Cut the bottom off of the paper cup.
2 – Tie a knot at the open end of the balloon.
3 – Cut the top 1/2 inch of the balloon off, keeping the larger part with the knot.
4 -Stretch the cut end of the balloon over the bottom of the cup.
5 – Use the rubber band to keep the balloon in place around the bottom of the cup.
6 – Place launch material inside the cup
7 – Pull back on the knotted balloon and release to launch

Use the other cups to try other launching materials – like cotton balls or marshmallows. What happens when you use a different sized cup or launch a different material? Grab a ruler or tape measure to collect data taking measurements for the distance traveled for the different poppers.

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

Story Time: A is for Alphabet

I have 26 members, but no family. I start with A and end with Z, but you won't find me in a zoo. What am I? Of course, I am the alphabet! Help your child discover language through letter recognition and their accompanying sounds. Try beginning with your child’s name...

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) |...

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!...

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Story TimeGet ready for April celebrations 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 &...

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...

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 Kid + Tween Activities

NOVEMBER Kid + Tween Activities

NOVEMBER Kid + Tween Activities

 FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHTS ARE BACK!

Madison Library District is bringing FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHT back!

Every Tuesday @ 4pm in the Community Room.

SCHEDULE:
November 2nd: The Lego Movie
November 9th: Paw Patrol: The Movie
November 16th: Paddington
November 23rd: Finding Nemo
November 30th: The Peanuts Movie

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.

 

 

FAMILY READ EVENING

The Idaho Family Reading Week will be November 8-14. The theme is BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE! because anything is possible when reading is in your life. 

Celebrate with a night of storytelling, prizes, crafts, and all around fun. 

Monday November 8th from 6:30-7:30pm. For all ages.

 

 

 

COMBINED TWEEN BOOK CLUBS

Books for Boys and Mother Daughter Book Club will be combined for the month of November. 

The book will be The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. From Goodreads:

“A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, one thing’s for sure: Sam Westing may be dead … but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!”

Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm in the Community Room. The Adult Book Club will be joining at the end for some fun activities.

 

 

 

KID + TWEEN STEAM KITS

For ages 6-11. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.
Pick up at the Front Circulation Desk.

November 1st: Pom-Pom Popper
November 15th: Pigpen Cipher

 

 

 

 

GAME AND CHESS CLUB

Every Monday in the Community Room, 4:30-5:30pm.

Learn the art of Chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided.

For ages 9-18.

 

VETERAN’S DAY CLOSURE

The library will be closed Thursday, November 11th, in honor of Veteran’s Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. 

Thank you.

 

 

 

THANKSGIVING CLOSURE

The library will be closing EARLY on November 24th at 5pm

We will be closed November 25-27th for the Thanksgiving holiday. No items are due and the book drop will remain open.

Thank you.

 

 

 

 STORYTIME – LIVE IN COMMUNITY ROOM

STORYTIME – New day added!
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays at 10:30am
Tuesdays at 6:30pm

TODDLER TIME –time change 
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30am

BOOK BABIES – time change
Wednesdays at 9:30am

Take n’ Go Kits will be available during Storytime. Any extras will be distributed at the end of the week at the Children’s Reference Desk.

 

 

 

December 2025 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. Select participants ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, December 3 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner,...

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

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...

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!...

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

Story TimeGet ready for April celebrations 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 &...

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...

Storytime: Halloween!

Storytime: Halloween!

Storytime: Halloween!

BOO!
There will be a special STORY TIME TRICK-OR-TREAT on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH. Come dressed up for fun Halloween stories and trick-or-treating! Choose one time: 10:30 · 11:30 · 12:30. 

Join us Monday, 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, Zoom, Zoom Zoom, helps children count down from five to a lift-off at zero, while the anticipation of counting makes this rhyme a great skill-builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place.

- Lambert

Activity

Have fun with, “Halloween Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “BOO!” For toddlers and older children, squat down with them in a tight ball and jump up for “BOO!”

Books Presented

Monsters Come Out Tonight! by Frederick Glasser

Trick-or-treat! Open the doors to find monsters getting ready for a night of Halloween fun. All of the monsters are getting ready for the big Halloween bash in this rhyming board book. Lift the flaps to reveal Dracula brushing his fangs, witches combing their hair, and more silly surprises! Quirky illustrations hold plenty of details that will be sure to tickle readers’ funny bones and get them in the Halloween spirit.

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills

A haunted Halloween bus ride that will have children singing with excitement. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus is a humorous Halloween-themed version of the classic song “The Wheels on the Bus”…with a few ghoulish tricks and treats up its sleeves! Count from One Spooky Bus up to Ten Goofy Ghosts as this Halloween ride races through town picking up a few unsuspecting passengers along the way.

 

The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman

Witches, werewolves, and other creatures celebrate Halloween in an illustrated rhyme that can be sung to the tune of “The Ants Go Marching.”

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Lift the flaps and listen to Mr. Friendly Ghost, a big-eyed owl, and other Halloween noises in this light-activated sound book

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht

One of the most loved Halloween traditions is visiting a pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect pumpkin! Once you bring your pumpkin home, invite your friends and family to form a carving crew and help you turn that perfect pumpkin into–a grinning, glowing jack-o’-lantern! With vibrant, joyful art and a rhythmic, read-aloud text filled with the spirit of community and the thrills of the season, here is a celebration of every fun-filled step in creating the perfect jack-o’-lantern on Halloween night!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Cut-a-Story: The Little Orange House

Need orange construction paper + scissors

Once upon a time a very small witch was walking in the woods. The cold wind was blowing the dry leaves all around her. The little witch was frantically searching for a house for the winter. She could not find one. Suddenly a piece of orange paper blown by the wind landed at her feet.
(make the paper fly through the air to your feet as you are telling the story)

She picked it up. The little witch looked closely at the paper and then she said, “I shall make myself a house from this piece of orange paper.” She folded the paper in half
(fold the paper)
and took her scissors (she always has a pair in her pocket) and cut off the two corners to make a roof
(cut the two corners at the top of the paper… not at the fold line)

“This will do just fine” she said as she looked at her new house. “But I will need a door.” She always wears pointed hats so she cut a special door that looked just like this
(a few inches in – cut a rectangle with a half triangle at the top for the hat)

The little witch walked through the door and into the little orange house. It was very dark inside. She quickly hurried back out. “I will need to make windows to let in the light,” said the little witch. She cut a front and a back window that looked just like this
(cut a rectangle in the middle of the paper)

Oh, it was a fine looking house. Her very own little house with a roof, a door, and windows was all finished. But just as the little witch started to go inside for the winter, she saw a tiny ghost floating down the windswept path. As the tiny ghost came to a stop near the little house, the little witch saw that she was crying.

“Why are you crying?” asked the little witch.

The tiny ghost stopped crying and answered. “It is cold and windy. It is getting dark. And I have no place to spend the winter.”

“You may spend the winter with me in my new house,” said the kind little witch.

“Oh thank you,” said the happy tiny ghost as she peeked through the window. “This is a very nice house.”

“First”, said the little witch, “I will need to make you a little door of your very own. She took her scissors again and began to cut. She cut a very tiny door. It looked like this.
(cut the tiny door as a triangle shape in the fold between the other door and window).

The two happy new friends went inside. The tiny ghost went in the very little door. The little witch went through her own special door. All winter long they lived happily together inside the little orange house.

If you want to see the inside of their house, unfold the paper. 
Found on Typically Simple blog

 

 

Crafts and Activities

Happy Halloween coloring!

Practice hand-eye coordination with a bat lacing craft!

Bonus craft: Make a monster out of a paper plate

Additional Books

Zombies Don't Eat Veggies! by Megan and Jorge Lacera

Although Mo’s parents insist he eat zombie cuisine, Mo craves vegetables and strives to get them to taste recipes made from his hidden garden. Includes recipes.

Teeny Tiny Halloween Tale

A tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who’s happy to hug — a snake! 

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Who needs rhythm sticks when you've got a house full of instruments? You and your child can grab paper towel tubes, empty tin cans, or even a pair of chopsticks and get ready to make some noise. Start by keeping the beat to old favorites like "If You’re Happy and You...

Story Time: P is for Pigs

How did the pig write his novel? With a pig pen. Or… what’s it called when a bunch of pigs compete in athletic games? The Olympigs. And… how do pigs write top-secret messages? With invisible oink! All jokes aside, pigs are amazing creatures. They are one of the...

Story Time: P is for Pirates

Did you know that pirates often had unique and colorful names like "Blackbeard," "Calico Jack," and "Anne Bonny?" These names made them sound fierce and mysterious. Even though they were the “robbers of the high seas,” their spirit of adventure and exploration has...

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU in October

Did you know Halloween can be turned into a spook-tacular literacy activity for you and your child? Read Halloween books to introduce new words and foster a love for reading. Try describing your favorite Halloween characters and put them into a play or story. Play...

Story Time: M is for Moon

Buckle up for a thrilling journey to the moon! Join your little astronaut on an out-of-this-world adventure with our collection of silly, fun, and fact-filled books! Each page is a new discovery, each story a new mission. And don't forget the exciting activities that...

Story Time: M is for Monsters

Monster books can be magical because they help children understand differences, their feelings, and their emotions. They allow children to explore and overcome fears in a safe environment, helping them build emotional strength and problem-solving skills. So, check out...

Story Time: M is for Magic

Abracadabra, Alakadoon. When I say KAZAM, you’ll all be baboons! KAZAM! Magic isn’t just about tricks. The world of magic can tap into your child’s innate sense of wonder and curiosity. It is a world of possibilities and can foster imagination, problem solving skills,...

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

In October, we walked with animals, flew in a spaceship, and cooked French fries and pumpkins in a pan with hot oil! Try out some more activities this month with your baby or toddler from the suggestions below.

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
When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement.

- Lambert

Activity

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Ball Tunnel: Try this fun activity from Research Parent. Place an empty wrapping paper or connected paper towel tubes on an incline such as a chair and roll small balls down the tunnel. Talk about “up” and “down” with your child. Not only are they learning cause and effect, the beginnings of potential and kinetic energy, but it’s also so much fun!!

Books Presented

If You're a Robot and You Know It by David A Carter

Happy robots stomp their feet, jump and beep, and shout Hooray, in a take on the classic lyrics to “Happy and you know it.”

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Everybody sing along—because it’s time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! 

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.

Snappy Little Farmyard by Dugald Steer

A day on the farm has never been quite so much fun — or quite so noisy — thanks to this mooing, baaing, neighing menagerie of pop-up surprises. And what better way to learn than with this happy, snappy pop-up! 

Where is Baby's Pumpkin? by Karen Katz

An adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute-as-a-button bats, and candy apples are found beneath each flap. Finally after Baby finds her pumpkin, she’s ready to go trick-or-treating and the final flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza!

Spooky Spooky Little Bat

Join the Halloween fun in this spooky rhyming twist on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Follow the little bat as it flies above town and makes new friends. This fun board book for tots features beautiful illustrations and a plush bat finger puppet with wings.

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Peek-a… BOO! We’re going to a spooky castle to celebrate Halloween in this fun storybook! Let’s sneak through the pumpkin patch together without being seen.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Clippity Clop

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…
Yeehaw! Ride-um, cowboy!

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I was walking to town one day
I met a (animal name) along the way
And what do you think that (animal name) did say?
(make animal noise)

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
Just climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 0 – Lift OFF !!!

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortnin’ Bread”

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3. (repeat)

Leg to the left, leg to the right, wiggle and jiggle and pull ‘em up tight.

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3.

Repeat with other articles of clothing (socks or tights, shoes, etc.)

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

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...