Storytime: “B” is for Books

Storytime: “B” is for Books

Storytime: “B” is for Books

Celebrate books and National Library Week with a book, song, or an activity about reading or loving the library.

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

When your children have happy experiences, they want to repeat them. Starting kindergarten can be an extension of informal library “classes.” Children who have had a joyful experiences in the public library often approach school with a positive attitude, ready and excited to learn. -Lambert

Activity

Sing, “If You’re a Reader and You Know It,” library style with your child, following the lyrics of the song and join in with the motions.

Books Presented

Penelope Popper Book Doctor by Toni Buzzeo

In all corners of the library, there are books that need care and Penelope immediately dedicates herself to learning how to mend them.

We Are in a Book by Mo Willems

 
Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?

A Book for Escargot by Dashka Slater

Bored with eating salad, our French snail hero peruses the library stacks, looking for a cookbook.

Chicken Storytime by Sandy Asher

 
Storytime in the library becomes increasingly chaotic as first one chicken then a whole flock joins in and the librarian must come up with a creative solution so that everyone can enjoy the story.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Storytime! Storytime!

Storytime! Storytime!
Take a look
What will we find in the (color, genre) book?

If You’re a Reader and You Know It

If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re a reader and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
(shout hooray, read a book)

Five Little Books

Five little books at the library
Five little books as great as can be
Along comes (name) with their library card
To take one home to read

Crafts and Activities

B is for Books

Sticker Story Book

Try making one of these easy books with your child. You can use stickers to decorate it or have them draw their own illustrations.

Additional Books

Sarah & Duck at the Library by Sarah Gomes Harris

Meet Sarah and Duck! This brilliantly quirky pairing offer an alternative look at the world as they head off on adventures together. This picture book sees them trying to cheer up Scarf Lady’s Donkey — with mixed results!

Library Lion by Michelle Knudson

 
A lion starts visiting the local library but runs into trouble as he tries to both obey the rules and help his librarian friend. Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

In this book with no pictures, the reader has to say every silly word, no matter what–

Open Very Carefully by Nicola O'Byrne

 
A crocodile falls into a quiet storybook and wreaks havoc on the characters, in a tale that invites youngsters to slam the book shut or find the courage to take a peek inside.

More Story Times

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

Storytime: B is for Birthday

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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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 &...

Storytime: L is for Lions

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Storytime: L is for Luck

L is for luck! Do you have a lucky charm? Or had an unlucky day turn into a lucky one? Or maybe a good friend made you feel lucky? The difference between good luck and bad luck can depend on your mindset. By using creativity and imagination while looking at a problem,...

Storytime: L is for Ladybugs

Does your child say “wake” instead of “lake” or “wook” instead of “look?” The “L” sound can be tricky for kids to master. While sounds develop at different ages, imitation is key to learning speech. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind...

Storytime: L is for Lambs

Who knew that lambs love to laugh or that there are sheep in space with colorful coats? Plus, did you know that lambs can walk within minutes of being born, have teeth only on their lower jaw, and possess four stomachs? If you and your child want to learn more about...

Storytime: “B” is for Bees

Storytime: “B” is for Bees

Storytime: “B” is for Bees

To bee or not to bee, that is the question! Did you know that one honey bee, in its entire life-span, will make only one teaspoon of honey? Explore the world of bees with these books and activities, and then talk with your child why bees are SO important to our ecosystem, and what to do if they see a bee.

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 involve sequencing and memory can help children prepare for school. In the “Bee in the Box,” listen for a certain phrase, and then react to it with a large physical movement. In addition to having fun, your child is actually developing their gross motor skills.

Activity

Ask your child to join you in pretending to climb into a box and shut the lid. It’s very dark inside! Turn the handle and begin reciting the rhyme, Bee in the Box. On the last line, pop out of the box and “buzz” around the room!

Books Presented

Bees! by Elizabeth Winchester

Get the inside scoop on the world’s most fascinating creatures! Meet a beekeeper. Peek inside a beehive. Find out how some bees make honey. Learn more than thirty fun facts about these busy insects.

Bee-wigged by Cece Bell

Jerry, a large bee who longs to have friends, finds that by putting on a wig he can pass for a boy, until one day while he is leading the annual school parade the wind starts blowing very hard.

A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree by Daniel Bernstrom

When a hungry, fuzzy brown bear and a hive of angry bees come face to face, everybody’s abuzz!

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text invite the reader to uncover the rainbow of colors hidden in a garden, which helps flowers bloom and bees find food. Includes facts about bees and their importance.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bee in the Box

Bee in the ____ box sitting so still.
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!
*red, blue, yellow, green

5 Busy Honey Bees

Five busy honey bees were resting in the sun.
The first one said, “Let us have some fun.”
The second one said, “Where shall it be?”
The third one said, “In the honey tree.”
The fourth one said, “Let’s make some honey sweet.”
The fifth one said, “With pollen on our feet.”
The five little busy bees sang their buzzing tune,
As they worked in the beehive all that afternoon.
Bzzzzzz! Bzzzzzz! Bzzzzzz! Bzzzzzz! Bzzzzzz!

Crafts and Activities

B is for Bees

Make a Bee headband

Additional Books

What Does the Bee See? by Soo-hyeon Kim

A little bee encounters objects and guesses what they might be until the whole is revealed. Children will develop observation, logical thinking and imagination skills by following the bee through the story.

A Season to Bee: a Stylish Book of Colors by Carlos Aponte

Fashion illustrator Carlos Aponte gives readers front row seats to the runway show of the season! Join Miss V. McQueen and her band of fashion bugs as they flit and flutter their brilliant colors down the catwalk. Ladybug reds, butterfly golds, and grasshopper greens provide young readers with a chic introduction to the colors found all around us

Beware! by Bob Raczka

Using words made up of only the five letters “beware,” a little bear named Abe and a bee named Bree, who have been warned about each other, compete for the flowers in their meadow, but end up as friends willing to put aside their differences and share

Bee Friendly Charlotte by Andrea Kaczmarek

Charlotte decides to make a bee-friendly garden, to protect her insect friends!

More Story Times

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

Storytime: B is for Birthday

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

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...

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 &...

Storytime: L is for Lions

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Storytime: L is for Luck

L is for luck! Do you have a lucky charm? Or had an unlucky day turn into a lucky one? Or maybe a good friend made you feel lucky? The difference between good luck and bad luck can depend on your mindset. By using creativity and imagination while looking at a problem,...

Storytime: L is for Ladybugs

Does your child say “wake” instead of “lake” or “wook” instead of “look?” The “L” sound can be tricky for kids to master. While sounds develop at different ages, imitation is key to learning speech. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind...

Storytime: L is for Lambs

Who knew that lambs love to laugh or that there are sheep in space with colorful coats? Plus, did you know that lambs can walk within minutes of being born, have teeth only on their lower jaw, and possess four stomachs? If you and your child want to learn more about...

Storytime: “B” is for Bananas

Storytime: “B” is for Bananas

Storytime: “B” is for Bananas

One banana, two bananas, three bananas, four! Did you know that a cluster of bananas is called a ‘hand’, while a single banana is called a ‘finger’? Or that a strawberry is not a berry, but a banana is. As your child learns the sound for the letter “B”, try out some of these activities about bananas, then explore with a new banana recipe together!

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

Children love to count and “uncount” things, and books are a great tool to encourage this skill which helps to them develop their sense of numbers.

Activity

Try reading a book like, Counting Crocodiles, by Judy Sierra or another counting book. You could act out the story with the monkey and alligators, or turn it in to a fingerplay!

Books Presented

Counting Crocodiles by Judy Sierra

 
In this rhymed retelling of a traditional Asian tale, a clever monkey uses her ability to count to outwit the hungry crocodiles that stand between her and a banana tree on another island across the sea.

Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana by James Dean

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

Why the Banana Split: An Adventure in Idioms by Rick Walton

 
The people and objects of a town panic and flee when they see a Tyrannosaurus rex approaching, but they discover that only the bananas have anything to fear from this fruit-eating dinosaur.

My Dog Banana by Roxane Brouillard

In a park, a child walks a banana on the end of a leash. This unusual thing, to say the least, attracts the attention of passers-by who gather around. A long discussion ensues where people try to understand why the child is walking a banana, while the child tries to make them understand that the banana is a dog. More precisely, a dog-banana.

 

 

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bananas! Bananas!

Bananas! Bananas!
I’m looking for bananas!
I’m looking for bananas in the blue* pajamas!
*red, yellow, green, purple, orange

5 Yellow Bananas

5 yellow bananas, and not one more.
The monkey ate one, & then there were 4.

4 yellow bananas, so yummy to see.
The monkey ate one, & then there were 3.

3 yellow bananas, & he knew what to do.
The monkey ate one, & then there were 2.

2 yellow bananas, hanging in the sun.
The monkey ate one, & then there was 1.

1 yellow banana, well for goodness sake.
The monkey ate that one, & he got a tummy ache.

Now there are no little bananas hanging on the tree.
Monkey, your tummy wouldn’t hurt if you had shared them with me!

Crafts and Activities

B is for Banana

Make a banana from a paper plate

Additional Books

Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey

Told in rhyming text, Brian tries to get his fellow piranhas to try his fruit and vegetable platter, but they all prefer meat–like those human feet dangling in the water.

Three Bite Rule by Anne Lamb

When Grumpy Toad claims he doesn’t eat bananas, Pete the Cat encourages Grumpy to try the banana casserole Pete brought for the class potluck.

Grumpy Monkey Ready, Set, Bananas! by Suzanne Lang

Jim Panzee begrudgingly agrees to help Tortoise enter the big race.

Barry The Banana Has a Party by Jade Maitre

Barry the Banana is having a great party – until a monkey comes along!

More Story Times

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

Storytime: B is for Birthday

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

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...

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 &...

Storytime: L is for Lions

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Storytime: L is for Luck

L is for luck! Do you have a lucky charm? Or had an unlucky day turn into a lucky one? Or maybe a good friend made you feel lucky? The difference between good luck and bad luck can depend on your mindset. By using creativity and imagination while looking at a problem,...

Storytime: L is for Ladybugs

Does your child say “wake” instead of “lake” or “wook” instead of “look?” The “L” sound can be tricky for kids to master. While sounds develop at different ages, imitation is key to learning speech. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind...

Storytime: L is for Lambs

Who knew that lambs love to laugh or that there are sheep in space with colorful coats? Plus, did you know that lambs can walk within minutes of being born, have teeth only on their lower jaw, and possess four stomachs? If you and your child want to learn more about...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Oh, how we love bugs in all their varieties and the nursery rhymes that accompany them! The Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Ants Go Marching, Little Arabella Miller, and The Bees in the Beehive are favorites of ours. Can you remember some “bug” songs from your childhood? Share them with your child, and begin a multi-generational bugfest! Or try some of these at Childhood101.com.

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

TODDLER TIP

Rhymes and songs that involve sequencing and memory can help children prepare for school. In the “Bug in the Box,” listen for a certain phrase, and then react to it with a large physical movement. In addition to having fun, your child is actually developing their gross motor skills. -Lambert

TODDLER ACTIVITY

Ask your child to join you in pretending to climb into a box and shut the lid. It’s very dark inside! Turn the handle and begin reciting the rhyme, Bug in the Box. On the last line, pop out of the box.

BABY TIP

Even though babies will not actually understand number words and concepts, rhymes with numbers prepare them for the idea of numbers and for counting by rote or imitation. Later, they will connect the concept to the words. -Lambert

BABY ACTIVITY

Recite “Here is the Beehive” with your baby while adding all the hand motions. This is a great getting ready or diaper-changing song.

Books Presented

Snappy Little Bugs by Claire Nielsen

Join the great big bug hunt! Playful rhymes introduce little ones to a rib-tickling collection of hopping, jumping, sliding, fluttering pop-up surprises. These cute, but crawly, creatures almost leap into life as they make their moves across the pages. Youngsters will meet web-spinning spiders, wriggling worms, dragonflies, ladybugs, and more! And don’t miss the surprise from the grasshoppers!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Bob Barner

A nonsense rhyme introduces children to familiar bugs. Includes a fun facts section.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani

 
In this expanded version of a popular song, the itsy-bitsy spider’s climbing is interrupted by a fan, a mouse, a cat, and some dew before she makes her way to the top of a tree to spin her web.

Jump! by Scott M. Fischer

 
From bugs and frogs to alligators and whales, frightened animals always move out of the way of a larger opponent.

Over in the Garden by Jennifer Ward

 
Over in the garden, mother insects and their children enjoy various activities from morning sun to evening moon.

Hello, Bugs! by Smriti Prasadam

Babies and toddlers will love to meet the adorable bugs in this engaging book! Little hands can turn the sturdy board pages to meet a host of cute characters, including a ladybug, a caterpillar, a bee, a grasshopper, a dragonfly, a snail, and more. Simple text introduces readers to a handful of first words, while the bold artwork features each bug in its natural environment.

Wiggle Jiggle by Megan Vermaak, Mathapelo Mabaso, Chenel Ferreira

 
Wiggle-Jiggle is a cute and cuddly caterpillar story with very cute rhythm, rhyme, and repetition.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

 
Follows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food, until, full at last, he forms a coccoon around himself and goes to sleep.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Giddy-up, Giddy-up

Giddy-up, giddy-up ride to town (bounce babies on knees)
Giddy-up, giddy-up up and down (lift baby up and down)
Giddy-up fast (bounce quickly)
Giddy-up slow (bounce slowly)
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, whoa! (dip baby backwards gently)
-storytimekatie.com

Bouncy Bouncy Baby

Bouncy, bouncy baby. Bouncy, bouncy baby
Up and down, up and down.
Bouncy, bouncy baby.
Hippity hop little one. Hippity hop little one
Back and forth, back and forth.
Hippity hop, little one.
Bippity bop, baby. Bippity bop, baby
Jiggity, joggity, jiggity, joggity
Bouncy, bouncy…BOOM!
-jbrary.com

Bug in the Box

Bug in the box sits so still.
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!

Insects on Me

(Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
A fly is on my face
A fly is on my face
Heigh-ho just watch me go
A fly is on my face.

Other verses:
A gnat is on my nose…
A hornet is on my head…
A bee is on my back…

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

Here is the Beehive

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Buzz up high. Buzz down low.
Buzzing fast. Buzzing slow.
Buzz to the left. Buzz to the right.
Buzz all day but sleep at night

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Baby Sign Language

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MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

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March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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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...

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

New Temporary Hours of Operation

New Temporary Hours of Operation

New Temporary Hours of Operation

The library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran's Day. No items are due. Thank you.

Due to staffing shortages, we will be temporarily reducing our hours of operation starting

Thursday, April 13

 

Our new hours will be:

  • Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday – Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Sunday: CLOSED

We hope to be able to return to our regular hours within a short period of time.

Thank you for your understanding.

June Events for Adults

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. Your final goal is 3,000 pages, but you earn prizes for every 1,000 pages you...

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...

June Events for Teens

Summer Reading 2025 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. Your final goal is 1500 pages, but you earn prizes for every 500 pages you...

Upcoming Board of Trustees Elections for 2025

Election InformationSpecial Districts holding elections in May: Madison Library District Trustee Election Day: May 20th Begin Mailing Absentee Ballots: April 10, 2025 Early Voting Begins in the Clerk’s Office: May 5, 2025  8:15-4:45 Monday-Friday until May 16, 2025 @...

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!...

May Adult Programs

Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up for adults 18+ who love to create! Bring your knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, or whatever craft you enjoy, and spend an evening with fellow makers. We meet Every First Thursday at 6:30 PM, so join us...

May Teen Programs

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, May 7 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Family Friendly FilmsLooking for a fun movie afternoon on the big...

Storytime: B is for Birthday

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

April Teen Programs

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, April 2 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Teen CraftsGet crafty at Teen Crafts on Thursday, April 3, from...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

March is all about MY BODY!

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

Singing helps your child hear the smaller sounds in words, and it helps to build their vocabulary. It slows down the sounds that words make. Being able to hear and recognize the beginning, middle and ending sounds that make up words helps children sound out words when they begin to read. – https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/kids-books/2021/05/5-things-to-know-about-singing-and-early-literacy.html

ACTIVITY

Sing, instead of read, a favorite rhyming book.

Books Presented

Toes, Ears, & Nose! : a lift-the-flap-book by Marion Dane Bauer

Baby is bundled in a mountain of clothes! As little ones lift the large, sturdy flaps to find out what’s underneath each piece of clothing, they’ll love playing and learning with this fun peekaboo book again and again!

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Encourages the reader to exercise by following the movements of various animals; presented in a question and answer format.

Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham

Do you have a nose like Fox, cheeks like Squirrel, and a tongue like Frog does? In rhythmic text perfect for an energetic read-aloud, Bear Has a Belly points out Moose’s legs, Otter’s back, and Duck’s feet, inviting little ones to chime in with every body part they share in common. Bright photographs of the animal friends are paired with images of real children of diverse backgrounds and abilities who are joyfully engaging with that body part.

Horns to Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton

Three creatures point out their body parts.

Whose Knees are These? by Jabari Asim

Takes a loving look at knees from the vantage point of a mother’s lap.

Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes: A First Book All About You by Judy Hindley

A group of toddlers demonstrate all the fun things that they can do with their eyes, ears, mouths, hands, legs, feet–and everything in between.

Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy? by Karen Katz

A rhyming text and flaps illustrate parts of the baby’s body.

My Body by Jill Ackerman

Textures, flaps, and reflective mirror help babies discover different parts of their bodies.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Gregory Griggs, Gregory Griggs

Gregory Griggs, Greggory Griggs
Had 27 different wigs
He wore them up (lift baby up)
He wore them down (bring baby back down)
To please the people of the town.
He wore them east (tip baby to one side)
He wore them west (tip baby to the other side)
But which one did he love the best?
This one! (hug baby)

Where Is Big Toe?

(Tune: Where is Thumbkin?)
Where is big toe? Where is big toe?
Here I am; here I am!
Touch baby’s toe
Wiggle, wiggle, big toe
Wiggle, wiggle big toe
Wiggle baby’s toe
My big toe, my big toe.

Where is elbow…bendy, bendy elbow
Where is tummy…squishy, squashy tummy
Where are two eyes…winky blinky two eyes
Where are two hands…happy clappy two hands

Oh The City is Great and The City is Grand

Oh the city is great and the city is grand
There’s a whole lot of people
on a little piece of land
And we live way up on the 57th floor
and this is what we do when we go out the door.
We take the elevator up and the elevator down,
take the elevator up, take the elevator down
Take the elevator up and the elevator down
and we turn around.

Lots of Exercise

(Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
We’re jumping up and down,
We’re jumping up and down
We’re getting lots of exercise
We’re jumping up and down

(We twist from side to side)
(We bend and touch our toes)
(We stretch up to the sky)

 

The Diaper on the Bottom

(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The diaper on the bottom
Comes off, off, off
Off, off, off, Off, off, off
The diaper on the bottom
Comes off, off, off
Nice and clean!

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

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

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

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

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

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

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

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

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

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

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...