Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it’s a feeling! It’s the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas Morning-themed gathering to celebrate the joyous season.

Festive Pajama Party

Love the idea of staying in your cozy pajamas all day? Well, we do too! That’s why this year’s Extravaganza is a Christmas Morning-themed pajama party. So, put on your festive PJ’s, grab a treat, and join us for an evening of stories and crafts. It’s going to be a cozy and fun evening filled with laughter and cheer for the whole family.

Santa’s Visit

And what’s a Christmas celebration without Santa Claus? Get ready for a special visit from Santa himself. Santa’s visits will start at 4:30 PM. Make sure you’re there to greet him and share your Christmas wishes!

When and Where?

So, mark your calendars! Our Christmas Extravaganza is happening on Monday, December 4, in the Community Room from 5-7 PM. We can’t wait to share the Christmas cheer with you all!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

Storytime: U is for Under

Storytime: U is for Under

Storytime: U is for Under

Can you think of some words that fit with the word, UNDER? Perhaps… underground, under the sea, under the umbrella, under the bed, and even underwear! Directional words are a great learning tool for children, especially when they begin writing their letters and words. They help your child to see things like… lowercase j goes “under” or below the line. So, try talking with directional words as your child discovers where things lie in relation to each other in their world.

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

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.– www.readingrockets.org

Activity

Sing “Five Little Monsters” with your child and stop on the last word of each phrase. Help him to see how many words can end with the same sound, or rhyme with each other, such as “head” and “bed.” Then play the rhyming game. Pick a word, and find new words or even made up words that rhyme with the first.

Books Presented

Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hendlund

Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hendlund

Two animal friends at a park encounter a seemingly scary creature, but not everything is as it seems, and wordplay adds to the fun. Introduces the concept of compound words and homophones, and incorporates fun puns throughout.
Wombat Underground: A Wildfire Survival Story by Sarah L. Thomson

Wombat Underground: A Wildfire Survival Story by Sarah L. Thomson

During the fire season in Australia, a wombat allows its underground shelter to become a place of refuge for other vulnerable animals in need. Discusses Australia’s devastating 2019-2020 fire season, in which many animals lost their lives or their habitats.
Dear Big, Mean, Ugly Monster by Ruth Berglin

Dear Big, Mean, Ugly Monster by Ruth Berglin

Joe is afraid of the monster that lives under his bed until they exchange letters and learn surprising things about one another.
My Under the Sea Pop-Up Book by Gil Davies

My Under the Sea Pop-Up Book by Gil Davies

Friendly sea creature pop-ups, humorous rhyming text, fun illustrations.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Little Monsters

Five little monsters laying under the bed.
One stubbed her toe and bumped her head.
“It’s too crowded!” the _________ one said.
So, she took her blanket and she left the bed… room!

Four… three… Two… 

One little monster laying under the bed,
Stretched up tall and turned his head.
“Finally alone,” this last one said.
So, he fell asleep laying under the bed.

Wombat, Wombat

Wombat, wombat underground.
In which of these caves will he be found?

Popcorn Kernels

Popcorn Kernels (wave scarves overhead)
In the pot (make their scarves ‘disappear’ by bunching them up in their fists)
Shake them shake them shake them (shake)
’til they POP (Toss scarves up into the air)

Credit: Jbrary

Slippery Fish

Slippery fish, slippery fish, sliding through the water,
Slippery fish, slippery fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by an …

Octopus, octopus, squiggling in the water
Octopus, octopus, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Tuna fish, tuna fish, flashing in the water,
Tuna fish, tuna fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Great white shark, great white shark, lurking in the water,
Great white shark, great white shark, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Humongous whale, humongous whale, spouting in the water,
Humongous whale, humongous whale,
Gulp! … Gulp! … Gulp! … BURP!
(Cover your mouth.) Excuse me!

Credit: Amy Liz

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with the letter o and an owl.

U is for Under

Baby owl craft for kids.

Underground Craft

Make a fun groundhog that pops up from underground.

Additional Books

The Tide Pool Waits by Candace Fleming

The Tide Pool Waits by Candace Fleming

Twice a day when the tide goes out, an astonishing world is revealed in the tide pools that form along the Pacific Coast. Some of the creatures that live here look like stone. Others look like plants. Some move so slowly it’s hard to tell if they’re moving at all, while others are so fast you’re not sure you really saw them. The biggest animals in the pool are smaller than your hand, while the smallest can’t be seen at all without a microscope. During low tide, all these creatures – big, small, fast, slow – are exposed to air and the sun’s drying heat. And so they have developed ways to survive the wait until the ocean’s return.
Jitterbug Jam by Barbara Jean Hicks

Jitterbug Jam by Barbara Jean Hicks

Grandpa Boo-Dad not only believes that Bobo has seen a pink-skinned boy with orange fur on his head hiding under the bed, he knows exactly how a little monster can scare off such a horrible creature.
Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy

Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy

Wombat opens his burrow to five animal friends–Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider–who are seeking shelter from the Australian bushfires raging above.
Under Your Feet by Jacqueline L. Stroud

Under Your Feet by Jacqueline L. Stroud

Down where worms wriggle and microbes squirm, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered… Under Your Feet delves beneath the Earth’s surface and explores the diverse wonders hidden there. Encounter creatures of the deep and marvel at the mind-boggling size of the humongous fungus–the biggest organism in the world. Learn how one handful of ordinary soil contains more organisms than there are people on Earth, and carry out experiments using dirt from your own back garden. Under Your Feet offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the natural world and soil-dwelling creatures big and small. Bursting with colorful illustrations and photography, this is the perfect book for budding young plant experts, animal fanatics, and geologists, and anyone who is curious about the ground we walk on.

More Story Times

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

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Storytime: W is for Walking Together

Going on a walk with your child not only develops his gross motor skills, but also creates a break from the techno-bombardments we experience every day. It heightens senses and allows for exploration. So, put on those walking shoes and head out the door for an...

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Storytime: W is for Working Together

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let’s work together to create a happy, healthy, carefree childhood for every child. Raising children isn’t easy, but doing it as a team is good for you and your child. When both parents or caregivers involve the child in...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

Eric Carle is one of the most celebrated authors/illustrators in the world. His picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. He believes “that children are naturally creative and eager...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it blue, and giving your toddler a turkey baster and bowls. Model for her how to squeeze the baster, fill it with water, and transfer it to the cup. This activity will help her develop fine motor skills and prepare her for writing in the future.

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

Library programs like this can be considered a child’s first class. Encouraging personal interactions with a group leader help children develop a positive attitude toward learning. When a leader shows appreciation to a child when she successfully completes a task (through clapping or encouraging words), the child feels pride and gains confidence in her abilities. These positive experiences of learning in a group setting at a young age help children form an enthusiastic attitude toward learning in a classroom setting. ~Lambert

Activity

Visit the library or another early learning facility for an organized program such as Toddler Time or Book Babies. After your child participates in an activity, praise him for his involvement and how he followed directions, even if it’s one small action. Then encourage him to show appreciation for the presenter at the end.

Books Presented

Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood

Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood

Follow ten little fish as they swim along a beautiful ocean reef, one by one departing from the school for different reasons, eventually leaving one fellow all alone. What will he do? Along comes another, and that makes two! Soon he becomes a father and she becomes a mother–with ten little children of their own. The rhyming text helps readers go from one to ten and back again, and each illustration pops with all the color and depth of an underwater playground.

I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry

I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin sherry

When a giant squid takes inventory of all of the creatures in the ocean, he realizes that he’s way bigger than most of them! Of course, there are bigger things lurking around . . . but maybe this giant squid with a giant touch of hubris doesn’t really care?
Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward

Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward

A counting book in rhyme presents various marine animals and their children, from a mother manatee and her little calf one to a mother octopus and her little babies ten. Numerals are hidden in each illustration.

Dude! by Aaron Reynolds

Dude! by Aaron Reynolds

 
A platypus and a beaver who love surfing encounter a shark — with unexpected results. Using just the one word “dude” this almost wordless picture book shows how much gnarly fun the dudes have surfing together.
Little White Fish by Guido van Genechten

Little White Fish by Guido van Genechten

Little White Fish is crying. He can’t find his mommy. While looking for her he sees all sorts of animals: a red crab, an orange starfish, a yellow snail, a green turtle, a blue whale and a purple octopus. But none of them are his mommy! Then he sees his mommy, and she has all the same colors as Little White Fish.

Well Done, Little White Fish by Guido van Genechten

Well Done, Little White Fish by Guido van Genechten

When he sees the special talents of his friends, Little White Fish wonders what special thing he can do.

Poor Little Guy by Elanna Allen

Poor Little Guy by Elanna Allen

An octopus gets a big surprise when he chooses to pick on a tiny fish in the ocean

Secret Seahorse by Stella Blackstone

Secret Seahorse by Stella Blackstone

A sea horse leads the reader past coral reefs and underwater creatures to a sea horse family hidden in a cave. Includes notes on coral reefs and various marine animals.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Ocean Song

Oh the ocean is great and the ocean is grand.
There are lots of tall ships and very little land.
And we sleep down deep in a hammock near the floor
And this is what we do when we go out the door:
We ride the waves going up, we ride the waves going down
We ride the waves going up, we ride the waves going down
We ride the waves going up, we ride the waves going down
And we turn around.

Credit: Verona Storytime

Slippery Fish

Slippery fish, slippery fish, sliding through the water,
Slippery fish, slippery fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by an …

Octopus, octopus, squiggling in the water
Octopus, octopus, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Tuna fish, tuna fish, flashing in the water,
Tuna fish, tuna fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Great white shark, great white shark, lurking in the water,
Great white shark, great white shark, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by a …

Humongous whale, humongous whale, spouting in the water,
Humongous whale, humongous whale,
Gulp! … Gulp! … Gulp! … BURP!
(Cover your mouth.) Excuse me!

Credit: Laptime Songs

 

Five Little Riders

Five little riders on a nice fall day,
Jumped on their ponies and rode far away.

They galloped in the meadow.
They galloped up a hill. (lift)
They galloped so fast,
That they all took a spill. (tip over)

Credit: Jbrary

Bubble, Bubble, Pop!

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water.

One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble…POP!

Baby Sign Language

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MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

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FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

Storytime: Umbrellas

Storytime: Umbrellas

Storytime: Umbrellas

“U” is for umbrella! Umbrellas come in handy in all sorts of weather. Maybe you need a big one for shade at the beach or waiting for the parade. And of course you want to grab one for the rain, whether it is a little mist or big down pour. An umbrella can be useful when the snow starts to flurry, especially if you forgot your hat. Books about umbrellas can help introduce different topics: types of weather, how to be prepared, and even sharing.

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

Weather and seasons are things that your children experience and can relate to. Try using their experiences to talk about the science behind weather, like thunder. Sometimes we ourselves don’t know all the facts, but we can find out right along with our children by using the books in the library. Simple scientific knowledge about everyday events gives children a strong foundation for later school learning. – Lambert

Activity

Use hand movements to illustrate the song Come Under My Umbrella.

Books Presented

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

A spacious umbrella welcomes anyone and everyone who needs shelter from the rain.

The Umbrella by Beth Ferry

The Umbrella by Beth Ferry

 
A little girl and her dog unexpectedly discover a way to spread happiness and light in their dreary, rainy town.
Soaked! by Abi Cushman

Soaked! by Abi Cushman

A hula-hooping moose, a badger with a bumblebee umbrella and a rabbit in a cashmere sweater, show their grumpy bear friend that a day of fun does not have to depend on sunshine and blue skies.

Is That Wise, Pig? by Jan Thomas

Is That Wise, Pig? by Jan Thomas

Mouse and Cow are making soup, but Pig keeps trying to add strange ingredients

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

New Umbrella

(Tune: I’m A Little Teapot)
Here’s my new umbrella, (pretend to hold umbrella)
Wide and high. (open arms wide)
It keeps me cozy, warm, and dry. (hug yourself)
If the rain starts falling from the sky, (wiggle fingers like raindrops)
Just open me up and you’ll stay dry. (pretend to open umbrella, twirl around)

Credit: Stratford Library

Come Under My Umbrella

(Tune: Here We are Together)
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella.
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain.
With thunder and lightning,
And thunder and lightning, 
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain.

Credit: King County Library System

These Are the Colors Over You

(Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Red and Yellow, Green and Blue,
These are the colors over you.
Red like an apple and Green like a tree,
Yellow like the sun and Blue like the sea.
Red and Yellow, Green and Blue,
These are the colors over you.

Credit: Jbrary

Five Umbrellas

Five umbrellas stood by the back door,
The red one went outside, then there were four.
Four umbrellas, pretty as could be,
The blue one went outside, then there were three.
Three umbrellas with nothing to do,
The green one went outside, then there were two.
Two umbrellas not having much fun,
The yellow one went outside, then there was one.
Just one umbrella alone in the hall,
The purple one went outside, and that was all.

Credit: Storytime Shenanigans

Umbrella Colors

We keep our umbrellas, so that we may,
Have them all ready for a rainy day.
Here is a green one to keep us dry
When we open it up and hold it up high.
Have you seen the umbrella that’s ruby red?
It looks so regal held over our head.
We love the umbrella of sweet sky blue.
It’s big enough for both me and you.
The yellow umbrella is bright like the sun.
It makes puddle- jumping seem so much fun.
Our umbrellas are fun and so nice to see.
Just look at them all, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Credit: Stratford Library

Crafts and Activities

U is for Umbrella coloring page

U is for Umbrella

Paper Umbrella Craft

Paper Umbrella Craft

Make an umbrella out of paper

Additional Books

Umbrella by Taro Yashima

Umbrella by Taro Yashima

On her third birthday, Momo (whose name means “Peach” in her parents’ native Japan) receives rubber boots and an umbrella. Impatiently she waits for a rainy day so she can try out her new apparel.
Puddle by Hyewon Yum

Puddle by Hyewon Yum

A mother and son use their imagination to have fun on a rainy day

Wait by Antionette Portis

Wait by Antionette Portis

A … picture book about the joys of waiting and taking in what is around you

Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves by Lauren H. Kerstein

Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves by Lauren H. Kerstein

It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful–swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!)…Grab your towels and sunscreen and join Rosie and Charlie for a fun-filled summer adventure

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Storytime: W is for Walking Together

Going on a walk with your child not only develops his gross motor skills, but also creates a break from the techno-bombardments we experience every day. It heightens senses and allows for exploration. So, put on those walking shoes and head out the door for an...

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As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

Storytime: W is for Working Together

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If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

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Storytime: Uni-HORNS

Storytime: Uni-HORNS

Storytime: Uni-HORNS

“U” is for “Uni- horns!” Children love unicorns, but have they discovered the creatures from the animal kingdom that also have one horn? The rhinoceros and narwhal, of course! Except in the narwhal’s case, it’s actually a tusk, or a “tooth” growing out of it’s mouth through the top of it’s head. Talking about uni-horns with your child can lead to discussions about what’s real and make-believe, prefixes to words like, “Uni-” which means one, and similarities and differences. So, have fun with the Uni-horns!

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

Helping children hear the smaller sounds in words, or the syllables, by clapping them out is one way to develop their phonological awareness. Children can hear the syllables more easily than each individual sound in words. – Reading Picture Books with Children by Lambert

Activity

Play “Super Duper 1, 2, 3! Can you say this word with me?” with your child. (The rhyme is below.) You can use your child’s name, a word that might be new to them, or a difficult word to say, like, “RHINOCEROS.”

Books Presented

I'm in Charge by Jeanne Willis

I'm in Charge by Jeanne Willis

This romping, rhyming story from award-winning author Jeanne Willis is all about a little rhino who likes to make the rules! When Rhino finds a tree bursting with fruit, he isn’t about to share it with anyone — after all, he’s in charge around here! But it looks like things might be about to change. With brilliant illustrations from Jarvis, this hilarious toddler-tantrum tale is all about being bossy and learning to listen to others.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

Born deep in the ocean, Kelp is not like the other narwhals and one day, when he spies a creature on land that looks like him, he learns why.

Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone

Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone

Little Narwhal, Not Alone is based on the true story of an unlikely friendship. A young narwhal, venturing too far from home, becomes lost and is adopted by a pod of beluga whales. Poetic language and playful illustrations take readers along on Narwhal’s unexpected and amazing journey. At the back, helpful facts about narwhals and belugas are included from a marine biologist.

There's a Unicorn in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

There's a Unicorn in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

There’s a unicorn in your book! But this unicorn doesn’t seem very happy… Can you help get rid of the worry gremlins and cheer this unicorn up?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Super Duper 1, 2, 3

Will you say this word with me? rhinoceros
Presenter:                                        Child & Presenter:
Say it! Rhinoceros.                         Rhinoceros.
Clap it! RHI-NO-CER-OS               (Child and presenter clap:
(Clap hands for each syllable.)        RHI-NO-CER-OS.)
Snap it! RHI-NO-CER-OS              (Child and presenter snap:
(Snap fingers for each syllable.)      RHI-NO-CER-OS.)
Tap it! RHI-NO-CER-OS                 (Child and presenter tap:
(Tap knees for each syllable.)          RHI-NO-CER-OS.)
Say it!                                              RHINOCEROS!

Unicorn, Unicorn

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

The Rhinoceros

(Tune: 10 Little Indians)
The rhinoceros moves like this and that
He’s terribly wide and he’s terribly fat
The ground underneath his feet gets worn
but on his snout, look at that horn!

Credit: Miss Mariah’s Library

If You’re a Uni- and You Know it

If you’re a uni- and you know it, shake your horn.
If you’re a uni- and you know it, shake your horn.
If you’re a uni- and you know it, then you really ought to show it.
If you’re a uni- and you know it, shake your horn.

…stomp your hooves (rhinoceros)
…swim around (narwhal)
…twitch your tail (unicorn)
…wallow in the mud (rhinoceros).

Two Baby Narwhals

Two baby narwhals swimming in the sea
One named Brett and the other named Bree
Swim away Brett, swim away Bree.
Come back Brett, Come back Bree. 

Crafts and Activities

U is for Unicorn coloring page

U is for Unicorn

Unicorn craft<br />

Rocking Unicorn Craft

Make a rocking unicorn

Additional Books

Perfectly Pegasus by Jessie Sima

Perfectly Pegasus by Jessie Sima

 
Nimbus has always lived among the clouds. She’s a pegasus, after all, and the sky is where she belongs. She is one of a kind. And when she wants a friend, all she has to do is look up—and talk to the stars. Only…they don’t really talk back. The clouds don’t, either. And sometimes, being the only pegasus can be a little…lonely? So she decides to find a fallen star to make a wish on—and wishes for friends who are just like her. Along the way she meets a Unicorn named Kelp, and a host of other creatures…who might just open her eyes to something other than what’s up in the sky.
We Are Going to Be Pals! by Mark Teague

We Are Going to Be Pals! by Mark Teague

A talkative cattle egret explains to a rhinoceros that in addition to having a symbiotic relationship, they also have a friendship built on communication, kindness, and a respect for boundaries.

Glitter by Stella J. Jones

Glitter by Stella J. Jones

Gloria the rhino loves glitter. She has glitter slippers and a glitter scooter, and she spreads her sparkles wherever she goes; here, there, and everywhere! The townsfolk, though, are tired of it. No more glitter, Gloria! they tell her. But soon, the entire town is covered in glitter. What will everyone think now

Layla, the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Layla, the Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

It’s not easy to fit in when you stand out. When Layla arrives for her first day of school at Unicornia, the school for unicorns, she realizes that she’s not like the other kids there. They’re all pastel colors and know the rules to Horn Ball and none of them come from the Woods like Layla does. Try as she might to make friends, Layla’s just . . . different. But when her class gets lost during a field trip to the Fiddle Dee Deep Forest, it’s up to Layla to step up and save the day.

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Story Time

Join us this November for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!

The theme for Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5) is The Letter U! Explore the magical world of “Uni”-horns, Umbrellas, Under the…, and something NEW, just for U… or should we say YOU!

  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
  • Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM

Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting theme of “Under the …” with your little ones as we embark on a journey of discovery and fun!

  • Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM

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  • Wednesdays at 9:30 AM

Please note, there will be no programs on November 1. We can’t wait to see you and your little ones in the Community Room!

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For tweens and teens aged 9-18, it’s time to embark on a journey into the world of strategy and fun with our master of games, Nick Allison. We meet every Monday in the Community Room at 4:30 PM. Game supplies are provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!

Mark your calendars for a special event – the Open Chess Tournament on November 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. It’s a Chess Tournament for all levels! Test your skills against players in your category for a chance to win sweet prizes. Our chess and game master, Nick Allison, will oversee the tournament, ensuring an exciting and fair competition. Spectators are welcome, so bring your family and friends to cheer you on!

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Nov 14: It’s LEGO Club – let your creativity run wild! (ages 6-18) 

Nov 21: Get ready for some high-flying fun with balloon turkey rockets! (ages 6-11)

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See you in the Community Room at 4:00 PM every Tuesday for a world of adventure and discovery. Don’t miss out!

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This month’s read: The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter by Aaron Reynolds. Whether you’re a daring detective like Rex or just love a good mystery, this book is bound to captivate your imagination! Designed for ages 8-11 with an accompanying adult, this event promises bonding, laughter, and meaningful discussions. Come enjoy treats, a fun activity, and let’s unravel the mysteries of Rex Dexter together!

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