OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

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, monsters who are a bit shy, and even monsters who love to bake yummy treats!

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 praise your child by clapping or saying "great job," you encourage both independence and cooperation. At home, choose easy activities for your child and provide plenty of positive reinforcement to support these behaviors.

 

Activity

Choose an activity your child can do alone, like stacking blocks, putting straws in a bottle or putting toys away. When they finish, praise them specifically and show affection, such as a hug. Be consistent and make sure your praise is genuine and tailored to their efforts.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Pop-Up Peekaboo! Monsters by DK

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Monsters by DK

This colorful pop-up peekaboo book follows adorable little monsters as they play hide-and-seek. Babies and toddlers can lift big flaps and see peekaboo surprises pop up from the pages: a funny little monster popping out of a plant pot, a hungry monster having a secret snack, a monster playing with bubbles in the bathroom, and a baby monster hiding under the bed!

The lively, read-aloud rhymes encourage literacy and early learning, while the surprise pop-up scenes will delight curious preschoolers. With the help of parents and caregivers, toddlers will have fun turning the sturdy board book pages, guessing what's hiding under each flap, and then lifting the flaps to reveal the little monsters and play peekaboo!

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 The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks

The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks

Becks is known for her boundless energy and zest for life, but one day her exuberance gets her into a heap of trouble! Join this high-spirited monster on an unforgettable bouncing escapade down Mill Street (and beyond).
Book cover for If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley

If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley

Monsters sing their own version of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.
Book cover for Horns to Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton

Horns to Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton

Three creatures point out their body parts.
Book cover for Five Little Monsters by Rozanne Lanczak Williams

Five Little Monsters by Rozanne Lanczak Williams

An adaptation of a counting rhyme, in which the text and pictures illustrate various arithmetic concepts.
Book cover for Don't Push the Button! Let's Say Good Night by Bill Cotter

Don't Push the Button! Let's Say Good Night by Bill Cotter

Larry the monster knows he should not push the button but cannot resist one tap, which makes him so sleepy he needs the reader's help to get ready for bed.
Book cover for I am Scary by Elise Gravel

I am Scary by Elise Gravel

This board book features a girl who hugs a monster she's not afraid of

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom Halloween Style

Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
If you want to fly tonight
To give a spook a great big fright
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… BOO!

Source: Jbrary

Little Ghost, Little Ghost

Little ghost, little ghost.
Just say, BOO!
Are you in the _____ house?
We’re looking for you!

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,
They sing and shout , and stomp* about.
Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp…
And they make a lot of noise… around… the house.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!

The monsters run…
The monsters jump…
The monsters dance…
The monsters sleep…
They snore, and snore, and sleep about.
And they make a lot of noise, around the house.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!

Source: The Kiboomers

Horns, Fangs, Knees and Claws

Horns, fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws,
Horns, fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws,
Eyes and ears and tail and paws,
Horns, fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws.

Source: Verona Story Time

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 _____ ones.

Five Little Monsters

(Tune: Five Little Ducks)
Five little monsters jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mommy called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monsters jumping on the bed!”

Source: Storytime Katie

There was a little man

There was a little man
who had a little crumb
And over the mountain he did run
With a belly full of fat
and a big tall hat
And a pancake stuck to his bum, bum, bum

Source: Jbrary

Zip Zip Zip

(tune: Wheels on the Bus)
Zip, Zip, Zip, off it goes!
I see baby without clothes.
Zip, zip, zip, oh what do I see?
Diaper’s on in one, two, three!

Hello Bubble

Hello bubble, hello bubble,
Come and land, come and land,
Right in the middle, right in the middle,
Of my hand, of my hand.

Source: King County Library System

My Bubble Floats Over the Ocean

My bubble floats over the ocean,
My bubble floats over the sea,
My bubble floats over the ocean,
Oh, bubbles make me so happy!

Source: King County Library System

Rainbows in My Bubbles

(Tune: She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain)
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes, I do
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes, I do
When I look up towards the sun,
They’ve got rainbows every one.
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes, I do.

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,...

Story Time: M is for Magic

Story Time: M is for Magic

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, and language and communication skills. So read a book about magic with your child and talk about the different ways a problem can be approached and solved. Maybe find a book of simple magic tricks and bond over learning something new together. But I should probably turn you back into people so you can. Abracadabra, Alakasteeple. When I say KAPOW, you’ll all turn to people. KAPOW!

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

Using books and stories to help children think of their own solutions to problems helps them develop problem-solving skills. Researchers have found that having ideas for tackling problems helps children in learning new tasks and handling social situations. - Lambert

Activity

Read aloud a book that revolves around a problem-solving situation, like Milo's Hat Trick. Introduce the book by setting up the problem: "In this book Milo isn't a very good magician and feels like he needs a rabbit. Let's see what happens." When you get to the page where he catches a bear, you can ask, "Do you always have to do things the way you planned?"

Books Presented

Book cover for This Book is Magic by Ashley Evanson

This Book is Magic by Ashley Evanson

Do you know that you're a magician? In this interactive book, use your fingers to perform all kinds of magic tricks. Tap a hat to make a bunny appear, recite a spell to make books bigger, say "Gone-zo!" to make a ship disappear, and much more. But beware: the clever magic tricks don't always turn out the way you'd expect!
Book cover for Milo's Hat Trick by Jon Agee

Milo's Hat Trick by Jon Agee

Milo the Magnificent's magic act isn't so magnificent after all, until he meets a bear who teaches him the secret to the perfect hat trick
Book cover for Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show by Mark Sperring

Max and the Won't Go to Be Show by Mark Sperring

Max does magic tricks to delay bedtime as long as possible.
Book cover for The Magic Rabbit by Annette Cate

The Magic Rabbit by Annette LeBlanc Cate

Ray the magician and his bunny assistant are best friends. They work together all day, performing their act in front of admiring crowds and return each night to the tiny apartment they share. But one day the friends become separated downtown, and suddenly Bunny is lost and alone. How will he ever find Ray in the hustle and bustle of the city? With its wonderfully detailed black-and-white illustrations strategically sprinkled with yellow (look carefully!), this tender story from a talented author/illustrator will have you believing in the magic of friendship.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Magic Finger

Magic finger in the air,
Magic finger in my hair.
Magic finger on my fist,
Magic finger on my wrist.
Magic finger on my shin,
Magic finger on my chin.
Magic finger on my hip,
Magic finger on my lips (shhh!)

Source: Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Six Magic Rabbits

Six magic rabbits in a tall black hat
Along comes a magician who gives each one a pat
He waves his magic wand high above their ears,
Abracadabra, poof!
One rabbit disappears (count down to zero)

Source: The Librarian Is on the Loose

Abra-Cadabra

(children act as the “spell” indicates)
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zitty
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kitties! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zoo
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kangaroos! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zion
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be lions! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zow
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be cows! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zap
When I say KAZAM you’ll all take a nap! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zids
When I say KAPOW you’ll turn back to kids! KAPOW!

Source: Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the ground
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear reach up high
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the sky

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear find your nose
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch your toes
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch your knees
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear sit down please
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear sit down please

Source: The Kiboomers

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with the word MAGIC and bunny ears poking out of a hat.

Magic Hat Coloring Page

 

 

Rabbit coming out of a magic hat.

Magic Hat Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Spellbound by Jess Townes

Spellbound by Jess Townes

 
Willow and her pet bunny, Houdini, love to play magical pretend--especially when she has the undivided attention of her adoring parents. When baby brother Rowan arrives, everyone is mesmerized by him. It's almost like he has cast a spell of his own! Can Willow stop his powerful charms in time, or will she become spellbound, too?
Book cover for There's a Witch in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

There's a Witch in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

Encourages the reader to capture the magic of a witch found in the book, then use spells while poking, wiping, and looking through the book to try to set things right.

Book cover for Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn by Beatrice Blue

Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn by Beatrice Blue

A little girl befriends a sad, tiny horse, and, with a little magic (and an ice cream cone), helps him fly.
Book cover for Cinderella With Dogs by Linda Bailey

Cinderella -- With Dogs! by Linda Bailey

 
When Cinderella wishes for a fairy godmother, she's not expecting one that barks! And this fairy dogmother has a different agenda. Yes, Cinderella will have a new dress, but made of a cozy dog blanket. Yes, they will go to the ball, but they will run there and chase squirrels along the way. There's nothing like a canine companion to get a girl out of the house and her mind off her troubles! Yes, indeed, dogs do make everything better--and are a reminder that you don't need "happily ever after" when you have the joy of now.

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October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time Logo

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 Time 9:30 AM | Story Time 10:30 AM

  • Wednesdays: Book Babies 9:30 AM | Story Time 10:30 AM

Toddler Time & Book Babies Theme: Monsters all October long!

Story Time Weekly Themes:

  • Sept. 29-Oct. 1: Something New Just for You

  • Oct. 7-8: Magic

  • Oct. 13-15: Monsters

  • Oct. 20-22: Moon

  • Oct. 27-29: Something New for Halloween!

Perfect for building early literacy skills through play, music, and interactive storytelling. All caregivers and little learners welcome!

Chess and Game Club

Mondays, October 6-20 | 4:30–5:30 PM
Community Room | Ages 9–18

Sharpen your skills and challenge your mind with the master of fun and strategy — Nick Allison! Learn to play chess and a variety of other awesome games. All supplies provided — just bring your game face!

Don’t miss our Pirate Dice Competition on Monday, October 27th at the same time!

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Kid 'n' Tween Tuesday STEAM

Tuesday STEAM Activities for Kids 'n' Tweens!

Join us every Tuesday at 4 PM in the Community Room for hands-on fun that brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to life! Perfect for ages 6-11 and their adult sidekicks.

October Adventures:

  • Oct. 7 - Monster Genetics

  • Oct. 14 - LEGO Musical Monsters

  • Oct. 21 - Special guest Cheryl Kimber from Idaho PBS Kids presents Kites & the Principles of Flight

  • Oct. 28 - Topsy-turvy LEGO Challenge

Ready to explore, create, and discover together? We'll see you there!

Great Reads for Girls

Calling all girls ages 8-11 and their adult sidekicks! Join the Great Reads for Girls Club on Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. This month we're diving into The Power of Poppy Pendle by Natasha Lowe! Each month, we explore a new book, discuss favorite parts, and create crafts inspired by the story. Come make new friends and discover new favorite books!

“Ten-year-old Poppy, born to ordinary parents, has inherited coveted witch power. In Poppy’s world, witches work for good and are much valued, but Poppy does not want to be a witch—she wants to be a baker, and she is extremely good at baking. Her parents insist Poppy follow in the footsteps of her great aunt, a famous witch, but Poppy has plans of her own.

Part magic, part adventure, and wholly delicious, this spirited story includes more than a dozen recipes you can try at home.”

Books for Boys

Boys ages 8-11 and their adult sidekicks, this one's for you! Join the Books for Boys Club on Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room to discuss Brandon Mull's Fablehaven—an epic adventure filled with magic and mythical creatures. Enjoy a thrilling story, creative projects, and yummy treats as we discuss our favorite parts and create crafts inspired by the book. Come make new friends!

“For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite . . .

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, powerful forces of evil are unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives, to save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world.”

Family Friendly Films

Join us for FREE Family Friendly Films this October! We’re showing a new favorite that is perfect for movie lovers of all ages.

  • Friday, October 17 at 3:30 PM: Flow (2024, PG)

Bring the whole crew for an afternoon of fun! Just a friendly heads up – we encourage parents to prescreen films to make sure they’re the right fit for your little movie fans. Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by someone 14 or older.

See you at the movies!

Pirate Dice Competition

Ahoy, young buccaneers! Hoist the colors at our Pirate Dice Competition on Monday, October 27 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room! For scallywags ages 9–18, this high-stakes showdown will be captained by none other than Nick Allison, our captain of fun and cunning. Dress up as your favorite pirate, gather your mates, and set sail for an hour of fun, laughter, and excitement as you roll the dice for treasure and glory!

Tricks or Treats!

TRICKS OR TREATS STORY TIME Join us on October 31st for costumes, spooky stories, sweet treats, and frightfully fun times!

Choose your adventure time: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, OR 12:30 PM

NEW THIS YEAR: Sensory Sensitive Trick or Treat at 1:30 PM - a welcoming space designed for families with sensory needs.

Perfect for kids of all ages and their grown-ups! Come ready for Halloween magic at your local library.

Armchair Traveler Challenge: Apprentice Artist

Reading can inspire creativity and we are painting a masterpiece! Take an epic journey with us this year as we explore the world of art, from color and style to history and industry. Armchair travelers will read books to create a portfolio of canvases that earn them opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will receive small prizes along the way. Sign up today at the Library Circulation Desk!

Story Time: A is for Alphabet

Story Time: A is for Alphabet

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 using different approaches like magnetic letters, sand letters, sensory bags, scavenger hunts, books, and songs. Not only will this help foster a sense of ownership of language, but it will also build confidence in your child.

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

Letter recognition is a strong predictor of future reading success, serving as a foundation for reading and writing skills and enhancing cognitive development by developing visual processing skills.

Activity

Pick out an "ABC" book to read with your child, then sing the ABC song using different nursery rhyme melodies like "Twinkle, Twinkle," "London Bridge," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "This Old Man," "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," while pointing at the letters. Singing the names of letters to a different tune breaks the letters down in different ways and helps them hear the letter names more clearly.

Books Presented

Book cover for Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson.

Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson

An immersive book with die-cuts and liftable flaps asks readers to identify a series of animals.
Book cover for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin

 
An alphabet rhyme/chant that relates what happens when the whole alphabet tries to climb a coconut tree.
Book cover for Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood

Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood

In a world where all the letters of the alphabet live in separate cities surrounded by walls, little h and small i's newfound friendship inspires all the divided communities to connect and form such words as courage, cooperate, and kindness. How do you tear down walls? With words at first, then brick by brick
Book cover for Did you Take the B From My _ook? by Beck Stanton

Did You Take the B from My _ook? by Beck Stanton

When the letter B goes missing from the story, the reader must find a way to bring it back into the book for good

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Alphabet Zoo

There’s an animal who lives in the alphabet zoo, and H-I-P-P-O is his name, oh!
H-I-P-P-O
H-I-P-P-O
H-I-P-P-O
And "hippo" is it's name, oh!
Repeat with other zoo animals - panda, rhino, whale, tiger, camel, snake, zebra

A is for Alligator

A is for alligator, chop, chop, chop!
B is for bunny, hop, hop, hop!
C is for circle, spin around and around!
D is for dizzy, let’s all sit down!

Source: 1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays

Alphabet Tree

Here we go round the Alphabet Tree,
The Alphabet Tree,
The Alphabet Tree.
Here we go round the
Alphabet Tree,
Singing the sounds of letters.

This is the sound that C can make
 ‘c’,’c’,’c’,
‘c’,’c’,’c’,
This is the sound that C can make
In words like cat  and candy.

This how we spell your name, spell your name, spell your name.
This is how we spell your name, just like this!
G-I-N-A
Yeah!

Source: Kids Press Magazine

Big A, Little a

Big A, Little a, (spread hands wide apart, then bring them close together)
Bouncing B (bounce up and down)
The cat’s in the cupboard
And he can’t see me! 
Peek-a-boo! 

Source : The Loudest Librarian

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring the coconut tree from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Coloring Page

 

 

The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom coconut tree made out of paper and cupcake liners.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for The Olphabet: "O" No! An Alphabet Revolt by Jess M. Brallier

The Olphabet: "O" No! An Alphabet Revolt by Jess M. Brallier

Tiring of an alphabetic order that relegates her to the middle, the Letter O repositions herself at the beginning of a newly dubbed "olphabet" before revisiting her subsequent letter friends to figure out where she truly belongs.

Book cover for Albert's ABCs: A Sibling Story by Henry Cole

Albert's ABCs: A Sibling Story by Henry Cole

Big brother Albert's frustration with his little brother Baxter escalates alphabetically until Grandma saves the day.

Book cover for Photo Ark ABC: An Animal Alphabet in Poetry and Pictures by Debbie Levy

Photo Ark ABC: an Animal Alphabet in Poetry and Pictures by Debbie Levy

This engaging picture book pairs stunning photos from a National Geographic photographer with lively poems to present the letters of the alphabet and pay tribute to the diversity of the animal world.
Book cover for T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski

T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski

An humorous, alphabetical look at all the things animals can't do but kids can

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Story Time: A is for Apples

Story Time: A is for Apples

Kid's Corner

by Marybeth Isle | Sep 16, 2025 | 0 comments

Imagine a vibrant, red apple, shining like a jewel under the sun. The letter 'A' stands tall and proud, just like the apple on the branch. 'A' is the first letter of the alphabet, just as the apple is the first fruit many children learn about. Its bright color catches the eye, and its sweet, juicy taste is a delight for the senses. The apple's round shape and the 'A's simple lines make them easy to recognize and remember. Together, 'A' and apple create a perfect pairing, symbolizing learning, growth, and the simple joys of nature.

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 to see the order in which things take place, whether in a book, a recipe, or the sequence of the day, helps them develop the mathematical concept of sequencing. ~Lambert

Activity

Read a sequencing book like, "Mine!" with your child. Then, using either a coloring page, puppets or pictures, help your child recall the sequence of events using words like first, second, next, last.

Books Presented

Book cover for Mine by Candace Fleming

Mine! by Candace Fleming

A group of forest animals vie for the same delicious red apple that is just about to drop.
Book cover for Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington

Apple Farmer Annie = Ana cultiva manzanas by Monica Wellington

 
Annie el granjero de la manzana ahorra sus manzanas más hermosas para vender fresco en el mercado de los granjeros.

Annie the apple farmer saves her most beautiful apples to sell fresh at the farmers' market.
Book cover for Apples for Little Fox by Ekaterina Trukhan

Apples for Little Fox by Ekaterina Trukhan

Fox, who hopes to become a famous detective one day, is excited about investigating his first case.
Book cover for Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Invites the reader to tap, rub, touch, and wiggle illustrations to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and lose its leaves.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Way Up High in the Apple Tree

Way up high in the apple tree, (stretch arms in air)
Two little apples smiled at me. (make two fists)
I shook that tree as hard as I could, (shake arms in air)
And down came the apples. (drop fists to floor)
Mmmmm, they were good! (rub tummy)

Source: Verona Story Time

A-P-P-L-E

There is a treat that's good to eat,
And "Apple" is it's name-oh.
"A-P-P-L-E"
"A-P-P-L-E"
"A-P-P-L-E"
And "Apple" is it's name-oh.

Source: Adventures in Storytime

Five Little Apples

Five little apples hanging in the tree,(hold up 5 fingers)
Teasing Mr. Slinky Worm, "Can't eat me!" (shake head)
Along comes Mr. Slinky Worm, quiet as can be,(say quietly, wiggle finger like worm)
And "Crunch" (clap hands)
Ate that apple right out of the tree.
(Repeat, counting down to zero)

No more apples hanging in the tree, (make a "0" with hand)
Teasing Mr. Slinky Worm, "Can't eat me!" (shake head)
Along comes Mr. Slinky Worm, (wiggle finger like worm)
As FULL as can be, (hold hands in front of stomach)
'Cause he ate all the apples from the apple tree!

Source: Adventures in Storytime

MINE!

In a tall, tall tree,
At the tip-tippy top,
Hung a single red apple,
About to drop.

And who was waiting for that apple to fall?  
1- mouse (leaf)
2- hare (grass)
3- fox (log)
4- deer (bush)
5- bear (rocks)

But who do you think got that apple that day?
A possum and a worm ate it on the way!

Sequencing Flannel Board based on Mine! by Candace Fleming

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring an apple tree and all the apples.

Apple Coloring Page

 

 

Make an apple tree from paper, sequins, and a clothespin or cardboard tube for the trunk.

Apple Tree Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

Describes an apple tree as it grows leaves and flowers and then produces its fruit, while in its branches robins make a nest, lay eggs, and raise a family. Includes a recipe for apple pie.

Book cover for Apples by Gail Gibbons

Apples by Gail Gibbons

Explains how apples were brought to America, how they grow, their traditional uses and cultural significance, and some of the varieties grown.

Book cover for The Star Jumped Over the Moon by John Schlimm

The Star Jumped Over the Moon by John Schlimm

A little star who lives in an apple tree yearns to shine in the night sky, but must first find the courage to make the leap and leave his home.
Book cover for Apples, Apples, Apples by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Apples, Apples, Apples by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Members of a rabbit family visit an apple orchard, where they have fun picking and learning about apples. Includes a recipe for applesauce, a song, directions for a craft activity, and sayings about apples.

More Story Times

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies Monday - Wednesday Various, see below Ages 0-5 November Early Literacy is here, and we’re learning about the letter B! Whether you’ve got a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler, there’s a spot for your family in the Community Room....

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies Monday - Wednesday 9:30 or 10:30 AM Ages 0-5 We have Story Time all month long! This October, we're having fun with the letter O for our older friends and hooting with owls for our littlest ones in the Community Room. Our...

September 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies This September, our littlest patrons are exploring the letter "C" and rumbling through the construction zone, with sessions for every age and stage: Storytime & After Dinner Storytime (ages 3–5, with adult) — Tuesdays &...

August 2026 Events

AO3 at the Library: Fanfiction Short Story Contest Calling all storytellers! Do you have a favorite book, movie, show, video game, or fictional world you just can't let go of? Now's your chance to give it the spin it deserves. Write an original fan fiction story for...

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story Summer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we're Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us. From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes. Sign-ups start June 8th — online with Beanstack...

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Flood 50 STEM Take Home Kits Stop by the Circulation Desk June 1–6 to pick up a free guided activity booklet and STEM supplies kit designed for kids ages 6-11 and their families (limit one per family). Activities explore the science and history of the Teton Dam Flood...

Story Time: Favorites

Let’s have some fun with a few of the librarian’s favorite classic picture books! Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Ages 3-5 Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip The concept of loud and...

Story Time: Something NEW in March

Reading a ”new” book with your child can be an enchanting and exciting experience! After your child selects a new book, perhaps about a favorite topic like dinosaurs, trains, or animals, take a “picture walk,” and flip through pages. Look at the illustrations and try...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this April for Early Literacy Programs! Toddler Time (Ages 1–3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room.* Enjoy songs, stories, and tactile activities as we explore Fun with Favorites!...

Story Time: F is for Flowers

It’s spring! The sun is out, the birds are singing, and we can all be on the lookout for flowers. Spring can seem like a magical time for kids and a big part of that magic is flowers. Looking for the green leaves and stems poking out of the dirt, finding the buds...

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

Kid's Corner

by Marybeth Isle | Sep 9, 2025 | 0 comments

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 their vocabulary, and encourage critical thinking. The next time your child asks for a storybook, consider pairing it with a non-fiction book to build a strong foundation for learning.

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

Rhymes and songs that incorporate sequencing and memory can help children prepare for school. In the following activity, children listen for a specific phrase and respond with a large physical movement. While having fun, they also develop their gross motor skills.

Activity

Pretend to be a three-banded Brazilian armadillo with your child and curl up into a tight ball. Imagine it's very dark and safe! Then recite the rhyme, "Armadillo in a ball," and on the final line, pop open and jump high into the air!

Books Presented

Book cover for Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett

Alligator Rode by Jan Brett

Bo, an adventurous, near-sighted armadillo, leaves his mother and brothers to follow a girl heading to a rodeo wearing new red boots which Bo mistakes for another armadillo.
Book cover for Armadillos by Jill Sherman

Armadillos by Jill Sherman

This photo illustrated book will introduce young readers to Armadillos that live in North America. Explains their history, life cycle, habitat, and feeding habits. Includes a photo diagram, glossary, further resources, and index.

Book cover for The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen

The Rock From the Sky by Jon Klassen

Turtle really likes standing in his favorite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his friend Armadillo to come over and stand in it, too. But now that Armadillo is standing in that spot, he has a bad feeling about it . . . This book is a meditation on the workings of friendship, fate, shared futuristic visions, and that funny feeling you get that there's something off somewhere, but you just can't put your finger on it.
Book cover for Armadillo Antics by Bill Martin

Armadillo Antics by Bill Martin

Follow an adventurous armadillo through nighttime fun as dawn approaches.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Armadillo, Armadillo

Armadillo, armadillo turn around
Armadillo, armadillo touch the ground
Armadillo, armadillo dance on your toes
Armadillo, armadillo touch your nose
Armadillo, armadillo jump up now
Armadillo, armadillo take a bow
Armadillo, armadillo stomp your feet
Armadillo, armadillo take a seat

Adapted from Jbrary

Looking for an Armadillo

(tune: Do you see the muffin man?)
We’re looking for an armadillo, an armadillo, and armadillo.
We’re looking for an armadillo under number ______!

Armadillo in a Ball

Armadillo in a ball
Sitting so still…
Won’t you come out?
Yes, I will!

Adapted from Jbrary

Armadillo Roly Poly

(tune: Are you sleeping?)
Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
Up, up, up
up, up, up
Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
down, down, down
down, down, down

Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
out, out, out
out, out, out
Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
in, in, in
in, in, in

Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
fast, fast, fast
fast, fast, fast
Armadillo roly, armadillo poly
slow, slow, slow
slow, slow, slow

Adapted from Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a smiling armadillo.

Armadillo Coloring Page

 

 

An armadillo made from cardstock and the rim of a paper plate.

Armadillo Craft

To make our armadillo craft you will need an armadillo outline printed on cardstock and the rim of a paper plate. Cut out your armadillo and then cut the plate rim into sections. Color the armor bands and glue them to the armadillo. Our three-banded armadillo used half of a paper plate, if you want more bands use more of the paper plate rim.

Additional Books

Book cover for Nine-banded Armadillos by Megan Borgert-Spaniol

Nine-banded Armadillos by Megan Borgert-Spaniol

Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to nine-banded armadillos. Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Book cover for Smile, Breath, and Go Slowly: Slumby the Sloth Goes to School by Chiara Carminati

Smile, Breathe, and Go Slowly: Slumby the Sloth Goes to School by Chiara Carminati

Slumby is well-liked at school, but being too slow to play with his classmates at recess makes him sad until Armadillo gets in trouble and only Slumby can save him.

Book cover for Playing Possum by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Playing Possum by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

 
Possums play dead when threatened so Alfred, an unusually nervous possum, avoids attention and even friendship until he meets Sofia, an armadillo who curls into a ball when nervous. Includes facts about the unusual defense mechanisms of animals pictured in the book.
Book cover of One by Vladimir Radunsky

One by Vladimir Radunsky

When Six, a pink armadillo with nine green siblings, brags that he is "#1" in everything, his family expresses a different opinion.

More Story Times

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies Monday - Wednesday Various, see below Ages 0-5 November Early Literacy is here, and we’re learning about the letter B! Whether you’ve got a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler, there’s a spot for your family in the Community Room....

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies Monday - Wednesday 9:30 or 10:30 AM Ages 0-5 We have Story Time all month long! This October, we're having fun with the letter O for our older friends and hooting with owls for our littlest ones in the Community Room. Our...

September 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time, Toddler Time, & Book Babies This September, our littlest patrons are exploring the letter "C" and rumbling through the construction zone, with sessions for every age and stage: Storytime & After Dinner Storytime (ages 3–5, with adult) — Tuesdays &...

August 2026 Events

AO3 at the Library: Fanfiction Short Story Contest Calling all storytellers! Do you have a favorite book, movie, show, video game, or fictional world you just can't let go of? Now's your chance to give it the spin it deserves. Write an original fan fiction story for...

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story Summer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we're Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us. From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes. Sign-ups start June 8th — online with Beanstack...

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Flood 50 STEM Take Home Kits Stop by the Circulation Desk June 1–6 to pick up a free guided activity booklet and STEM supplies kit designed for kids ages 6-11 and their families (limit one per family). Activities explore the science and history of the Teton Dam Flood...

Story Time: Favorites

Let’s have some fun with a few of the librarian’s favorite classic picture books! Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Ages 3-5 Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip The concept of loud and...

Story Time: Something NEW in March

Reading a ”new” book with your child can be an enchanting and exciting experience! After your child selects a new book, perhaps about a favorite topic like dinosaurs, trains, or animals, take a “picture walk,” and flip through pages. Look at the illustrations and try...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this April for Early Literacy Programs! Toddler Time (Ages 1–3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room.* Enjoy songs, stories, and tactile activities as we explore Fun with Favorites!...

Story Time: F is for Flowers

It’s spring! The sun is out, the birds are singing, and we can all be on the lookout for flowers. Spring can seem like a magical time for kids and a big part of that magic is flowers. Looking for the green leaves and stems poking out of the dirt, finding the buds...