November Kid and Tween Activities

November Kid and Tween Activities

Blog

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Oct 30, 2023 | 0 comments

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

Book Babies: sensory adventures for the littlest ones (ages 0-9 months) who are not yet walking and their grown-ups! Enjoy songs, stories, movement, and sensory activities together while we explore the theme of “Under the …”

  • 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!

Chess & Game Club

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!

Kid & Tween Tuesdays

Join us on Tuesdays for kid and tween activities at the Library! Here's what's coming up in November:

Nov 7: Dive into the Arctic and learn about the narwhals who live there! (ages 6-11)

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)

Nov 28: Explore the world of technology with Cubelets, Makey Makey, robots, 3D printing pens, and more at Tech 4 Kids ‘n Tweens! (ages 6-11)

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

Combined Book Club

Calling all young bookworms! On Thursday, November 9 at 6:30 PM, we're bringing together the Mother Daughter Book Club and Books for Boys in our Community Room for an evening of literary adventure!

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!

Closed for Veteran's Day

We honor our heroes this Veteran’s Day. In gratitude for their service, Madison Library District will be closed Friday and Saturday, November 10-11. No items are due, but the book drop will remain open. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Closed for Thanksgiving

We are grateful for our patrons! This Thanksgiving the Library will be closed Thursday the 23rd through Saturday the 25th. We will also close early on November 22 at 5 PM. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book Club Take 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 Makers Friday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story Time Join 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 Convention Teens 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 9-18 TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss...

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 9-18 4TH 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 6:00...

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...

November Teen Activities

November Teen Activities

Blog

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Oct 30, 2023 | 0 comments

Idaho Teen Reading Challenge

Are you a bookworm between the ages of 12-18 looking for an exciting reading challenge? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an adventure from October 2023 to April 2024 with the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, designed to engage readers in discovering new books and genres while offering the chance to win prizes!

Pick a book from each of the following categories:

  • Read Before You Stream
  • Retelling of a Classic
  • Sci-Fi/Fantasy
  • YRCA Nominee
  • Found while Browsing
  • Judge a Book by its Cover
  • One-Word Title
  • True Story
  • Your Favorite Genre
  • Free Choice!

Log your reading using the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper tracking sheet from the circulation desk or Madison Jr. High Library. Each time you read a book from one of the categories, come to the Library's Children's Reference Desk for a prize! What are you waiting for? Get reading!

Teen Action Council

Have a say in what goes on at the Library for teens! Ages 12-18 are welcome to join us Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 4 PM in the Community Room to voice their input.

Teen Crafts

Ignite Your Creativity at the Library! Join us for a colorful adventure as teens ages 12-18 transform melted crayon shavings into stunning works of art on November 2. On November 16, we will craft Pringles can lighthouses that will light up your imagination! Join us on Thursdays in the Community Room at 4:30 PM.

Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all brave adventurers ages 12-18! Join us in the Community Room on Nov. 3 and 17 at 3:30 PM for epic quests, magical encounters, and endless fun with our Teen Dungeons and Dragons group. Grab your dice and let your imagination soar! Make sure you sign up for the Library's Teen Discord Server - we have details on how to prepare beforehand posted there.

Chess & Game Club + CHESS TOURNAMENT

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!

Young League of Writers

Calling all young wordsmiths ages 12-18! Do you have a passion for penning stories? Want to share your writing with fellow teens or simply make new friends who share your love for words? Join us for Young League of Writers! This month we're excited to discuss the secrets of crafting captivating beginnings for our stories.

Meet us in the Community Room on November 8th at 4:00 PM.

Anime Club

Calling all anime and manga enthusiasts - join us for Teen Anime Club!

Thurs. Nov. 9: "The Cat Returns" 

Thurs. Nov. 30: Craft Time - Studio Ghibli Holiday Stockings

4:30 PM in the Community Room

Open to ages 12-18. Don’t miss out on all the Ghibli fun!

Teen Anime Club logo

Closed for Veteran's Day

We honor our heroes this Veteran’s Day. In gratitude for their service, Madison Library District will be closed Friday and Saturday, November 10-11. No items are due, but the book drop will remain open. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Teen Anime Club logo

LEGO Club

Do you love LEGOs? Join other kids who love the ever popular bricks at the Library’s LEGO Club! Meet us in the Community Room on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 4:00 PM.

For ages 6-18. Those under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Closed for Thanksgiving

We are grateful for our patrons! This Thanksgiving the Library will be closed Thursday the 23rd through Saturday the 25th. We will also close early on November 22 at 5 PM. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

Cook With A Book

Join us for a sizzling adventure in the kitchen! Cook with a Book is back on Wednesday, November 29 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room. Calling all foodies aged 12-18 – this time, we're cooking up the Vietnamese flavors of 'Inside Out and Back Again' with delicious beef pho. Don't miss out on the fun – it's going to be a pho-nomenal!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book Club Take 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 Makers Friday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story Time Join 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 Convention Teens 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 9-18 TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss...

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 9-18 4TH 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 6:00...

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...

November Adult Activities

November Adult Activities

Blog

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Oct 30, 2023 | 0 comments

Creative Writing Club

Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts and make new friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share our favorite piece and talk about why writing is our passion. This month we are meeting in the Community Room on Wednesday, November 8 at 6 PM.

Closed for Veteran's Day

We honor our heroes this Veteran’s Day. In gratitude for their service, Madison Library District will be closed Friday and Saturday, November 10-11. No items are due, but the book drop will remain open. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Take A Break Book Club

Need a break from your daily routine? Join us on November 16th at 6:30 PM in the Library Foyer for our Take a Break Book Club! We'll be delving into Nita Prose's gripping novel, "The Maid." Relax, unwind, and enjoy a great discussion with fellow book enthusiasts. Ages 18+ are welcome!

Adult Makers

Get into the holiday spirit with our Adult Makers group! Join us on November 17th at 7 PM in the Community Room as we create beautiful cross-stitched Christmas ornaments on perforated paper. It's the perfect way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations!

Closed for Thanksgiving

We are grateful for our patrons! This Thanksgiving the Library will be closed Thursday the 23rd through Saturday the 25th. We will also close early on November 22 at 5 PM. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book Club Take 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 Makers Friday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story Time Join 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 Convention Teens 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 9-18 TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss...

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 9-18 4TH 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 6:00...

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: Something NEW, Just for YOU! HALLOWEEN!

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! HALLOWEEN!

Blog

by Marybeth Isle | Oct 24, 2023 | 0 comments

Monsters, skeletons, cats, witches, and… wombats? Who would have known there are so many new books at the library for Halloween, including a great book about a worried witch who receives a wombat for her pet instead of a cat! Can you find something new that’s just for you this Halloween?

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

Halloween is a bewitching time of year, filled with costumes, candy, and creativity. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to foster a love for literacy in children of all ages. - https://unitedthroughreading.org/8-spook-tacular-literacy-ideas-and-activities-for-halloween/

Activity

Pumpkin Letter Hunt - Take advantage of the season’s most iconic symbol, the pumpkin, to teach your little ones their ABCs. Write letters on small paper pumpkins or use alphabet stickers and hide them around your home or yard. Encourage your child to find and identify the letters, helping them associate each letter with its corresponding sound.

Books Presented

Witch & Wombat by Ashley Belote

Witch & Wombat by Ashley Belote

Wilma, a young witch, cannot wait to get her very first cat! But when the pet store is fresh out of kittens, Wilma brings home. . . a wombat?! What a CAT-astrophe! A wombat is nothing like a cat, but maybe if Wilma puts cat ears on the little critter, no one will notice. ... (Spoiler alert: they do.) This bright and fun picture book teaches young witches that our differences can be our strengths when we have an open mind!

Skelly's Halloween by David Martin.

Skelly's Halloween by David Martin

When a fall causes Skelly B. Skeleton to come apart on Halloween, his animal friends try to put him back together based on their own bodies.

The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner.

The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner

This laugh-out-loud picture book takes readers to a just-PURR-fect haunted house where they'll meet a not-so-scary kitten and a collection of the cutest little critters anyone has ever seen

Why Did the Monster Cross the Road by R.L. Stine and Marc Brown.

Why Did the Monster Cross the Road? by R.L. Stine and Marc Brown

Why did the monster cross the road? To BITE someone on the other side! Turn scary to silly with this laugh-out-loud joke book. Hunny is little and Funny is big. And they are monster best friends! So when Hunny is feeling sad, Funny knows the perfect thing to cheer his friend up... jokes!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

If You See a Monster

(tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)
If you see a ______ monster, ______ monster,______ monster.
If you see a ______ monster, *wave your hand hello.

*...pat your knees like this.
… cover your eyes and hide.

Ten Black Kittens

Ten black kittens standing in a row
(Palms facing forward, fingers extended)
They bow their heads to the children so
(bend fingers forward and back)
They run to the left, they run to the right
(move fingers to alternate sides, wiggling fingers)
The stretch up tall with all their might
(stretch hands over head)
Along comes a dog, looking for some fun
(fingers of one hand resting on thumb, move hand towards other hand)
“Meow!” Away those kittens run!
(As you meow, open both hands with fingers extended, “run” hands behind back)

Credit: Jen in the Library

Boiling Hot!

Boiling hot, boiling hot
What will we put in the witch's pot
Boiling hot, boiling hot
We'll put some spiders* in the witch's pot

*stinky socks, hair, muddy boots, etc. 

Credit: Kid'n'Kaboodle Childcare

The Skeleton Dance

Dem bones, dem bones,
dem dancing bones. (x3)
Doin' the skeleton dance.

The foot bone's connected to the leg bone.
The leg bone's connected to the knee bone.
The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone.
Doin' the skeleton dance.

The thigh bone's connected to the hip bone.
The hip bone's connected to the backbone.
The back bone's connected to the neck bone. Doin' the skeleton dance.

Shake your hands to the left.
Shake your hands to the right.
Put your hands in the air.
Put your hands out of sight.

Shake your hands to the left.
Shake your hands to the .
Put your hands in the air.
Wiggle…, wiggle your knees.

Dem bones, dem bones,
dem dancing bones. (x3)
Doin' the skeleton dance.

Credit: Super Simple

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with books and a witch on a broomstick with a wombat.

Something New Just For You Halloween

Skeleton craft made from q-tips and black cardstock.

Q-Tip Skeleton

Make a skeleton out of q-tips.

Additional Books

The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt.

The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons are ready to celebrate Halloween, but they do not know what to say when they knock on the door.

A Haunted Ghost Tour in Idaho by Louise Martin.

A Haunted Ghost Tour in Idaho by Louise Martin

Experience a fa-BOO-lous Halloween with Little Ghost on a tour of all the landmarks you know and love in Idaho! Little Ghost is going on a spooky Halloween tour around Idaho, and you're invited to ride along!

Brick or Treat by Matt Huntley

Brick or Treat by Matt Huntley

Do you dare to join a fearless trio of trick-or-treaters who visit the mysterious home of an eccentric scientist? Along with owls, pumpkins, and helpful robots, they discover that a little bravery and some LEGO creativity can make a frightfully fun night

Vampire Vacation by Laura Lavoie.

Vampire Vacation by Laura Lavoie

The last thing Fang wants is another vacation in Transylvania. He's toured Dracula's castle and the coffin museum enough for an eternal lifetime. Why can't he spend the summer swimming and surfing like his other friends? When his parents refuse, Fang decides to convince them that fun at the beach is possible, even for a family of vampires

More Story Times

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August 2026 Events

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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

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Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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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...

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Once upon a time, in a castle far away… Fairy tales might seem like old stories, but reading them has many benefits for children. They can spark imagination and creativity. Magical descriptions can expand a child’s vocabulary. And many fairy tales are a fun way to...

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Food brings people together. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday party, dinner time, or even a snack at the park, sharing food enhances cooperation, communication, and caring. So, the next time you read a book with food in it, talk with your child about the role...

Storytime: Octopus

Storytime: Octopus

Blog

by Marybeth Isle | Oct 18, 2023 | 0 comments

“O” is for octopus! Did you know an octopus can fit through a hole the size of it’s eye? Or that they can navigate through mazes, solve problems, and take apart almost anything from a crab to a lock? They are considered one of the smartest species in the ocean! So, have fun with your child learning about these brilliant invertebrates!

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

Be sure to read factual books with your children. Follow their interests, whether a particular animal, in how things work , in trains, or anything that piques their curiosity. The information in nonfiction books introduces new vocabulary words, and we learn right along with our children. Supporting their curiosity goes a long way in encouraging a love of learning. Many children who are less interested in stories are interested in particular topics, trains, dinosaurs… or OCTOPUSES!

Activity

Select five factual books from the library on a variety of topics and describe each book to your child in one sentence. Let your child pick one and then read it together. Then find a storybook based on the topic and expand the learning by pointing out things learned from the factual book.

Books Presented

I Am an Octopus by Trisha Speed Shaskan

I Am an Octopus by Trisha Speed Shaskan

I live in a den and hunt my prey with venom. Zoom with me across the sea. I am a common octopus, and I have lots of things to show you!

The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy

The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy

An octopus is taken from his undersea home to live in an aquarium, but he soon tires of captive life.

Octopus Alone by Divya Srinivasan

Octopus Alone by Divya Srinivasan

Octopus leaves her cave in a lively reef because she is shy and the seahorses there find her fascinating, but when she finds a quieter, more peaceful spot she misses her home and friends.

Octopants and the Missing Pirate Underpants by Suzy Senior

Octopants and the Missing Pirate Underpants by Suzy Senior

Puffer Fish wakes up one morning to find that his pirate underwear has been taken from the clothesline! So Octopants the octopus offers to help look for them. They check Lobster's Laundry, look through Mermaid's hair, and even stop by Mussel's Fitness Club, but the underwear isn't anywhere ... Then Shark appears and wants to join the group. But what's that on her head?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bubble, bubble... POP!

One red octopus
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water.

One red octopus
Swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble...POP!

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!

Once I Saw an Octopus

Once I saw an octopus in the deep blue sea
I called, "Hey, Mr. Octopus, won't you swim with me?"
Then out came his tentacles
So very long and straight…
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

Credit: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

Octopus coloring page

O is for Octopus

Octopus craft made from a toilet paper roll.

Toilet Roll Octopus Craft

Make an octopus from a toilet paper roll and yarn. Or you can use a paper cup.

Additional Books

The Octopuppy by Martin McKenna

The Octopuppy by Martin McKenna

Edgar wanted a pet dog, but what he got instead was a rather brilliant octopus named Jarvis.

How to Put an Octopus to Bed by Sherri Duskey Rinker

How to Put an Octopus to Bed by Sherri Duskey Rinker

When mommy octopus tells little Floyd that it is time for bed, he decides that his parents want help getting their baths and putting on their pajamas (not what Mommy-O meant)--soon all three are covered with water and bubbles, and his parents are so exhausted that they fall asleep before Floyd is in bed.

Gentle Giant Octopus by Karen Wallace

Gentle Giant Octopus by Karen Wallace

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of a Giant Octopus and how she searches for a home at the bottom of the ocean, lays her eggs and protects them from predators until they can hatch.

Octopus Escapes Again! by Laurie Angus

Octopus Escapes Again! by Laurie Angus

Whether searching for its next meal or avoiding becoming a meal, an octopus is an underwater master through color camouflage, or by spewing a cloud of obscuring ink, or by sacrificing a limb, or squeezing its boneless body into or through unlikely spaces.

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Storytime: Owls

Storytime: Owls

Blog

by Marybeth Isle | Oct 10, 2023 | 0 comments

​Did you know that owls can turn their heads as far as 270 degrees, that their vision is long-sighted so they can’t see things clearly up-close, and that baby owls are called, “owlets?” Take some time, with your child, to learn about these beautiful birds of prey who have a unique and varied role in children’s books, both factual and fiction.

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

Be sure to read factual books with your children. Follow their interests, whether a particular animal, in how things work , in trains, or anything that piques their curiosity. The information in nonfiction books introduces new vocabulary words, and we learn right along with our children. Supporting their curiosity goes a long way in encouraging a love of learning. Many children who are less interested in stories are interested in particular topics, trains, dinosaurs… or OWLS!

Activity

Select five factual books from the library on a variety of topics and describe each book to your child in one sentence. Let your child pick one and then read it together. Then find a storybook based on the topic and expand the learning by pointing out things learned from the factual book.

Books Presented

Owls and Owlets (An Animal Family) by Gustavo Strigiformes

Owls and Owlets (An Animal Family) by Gustavo Strigiformes

Owls are amazing animals in their own right, but baby owlets are unbelievably cute! These bright-eyed creatures are great nocturnal hunters, stalking prey with their incredible eyesight. This charming book explores how they live their lives and survive in the trees. With vibrant full-color photographs and accessible text, this book brings young readers into the wild world of these feathered creatures, exploring how owlets become owls in an engaging introduction to the concept of life cycles.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Three owl babies whose mother has gone out in the night try to stay calm while she is gone.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

After achieving his dream of becoming a knight, a small owl protects the castle from a hungry dragon.

Who is it, Whoodini? by Roman Yasiejko

Who is it, Whoodini? by Roman Yasiejko

Who is the big bird that crashed into a tree? Join two owls, Cahoots and Whoodini, as they fly down to their barnyard friends to investigate.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Owl Hokey Poke

 Tune: Hokey Pokey
Put you right wing in
Put your right wing out
Put your right wing in
and you flap it all about
You do the owl pokey
and you fly yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

…Left wing, right claw, left claw, beak ,whole-feathered self!

Credit: Westbank Library Kids Room Fall Songs - Owls

Five Little Hoot Owls

Five little hoot owls sitting in a tree
One flew away! How many do you see?
Four little hoot owls sitting in a tree
One flew away! How many do you see?
Three little hoot owls sitting in a tree
One flew away! How many do you see?
Two little hoot owls sitting in a tree
One flew away! How many do you see?
One little hoot owl sitting in a tree.
She flew away! Now there are no more to see.

Credit: Westbank Library Kids Rooms Fall Songs - Owls

Wide Eyed Owl

There's a wide eyed owl (circles over eyes)
With a pointed nose (triangle nose)
2 pointed ears (use fingers for ears)
and claws for toes (wiggle fingers like toes)
he lives way up in the tree (point up to tree top)
and when he looks at you (point at kids)
he flaps his wings (use arms for wings, and flap)
and says whooo whooo (continue flapping wings)

Credit: Westbank Library Kids Room Fall Songs - Owls

Owl In The Tree

Owl, owl, where do you hide? 
Are you in the (color) tree? Let's peek inside!
 

Crafts and Activities

Baby owl craft for kids.

Owlet Craft

Make an easy owlet craft.

Additional Books

Owls by Gail Gibbons

Owls by Gail Gibbons

From the smallest, the elf owl, to the largest, the great gray owl, here is information about the 21 types that are believed to be living in North America. From egg to owlet to fierce bird of prey, here is an insightful look at these impressive creatures of the night.

I'm Not Scared! by Jonathan Allen

I'm Not Scared! by Jonathan Allen

When Baby Owl takes his stuffed Owly out for a walk in the moonlit woods, he insists that he is not afraid of the other animals that keep popping up and making them jump.
Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.
Little Owl's Love by Divya Srinivasan

Little Owl's Love by Divya Srinivasan

Little Owl glides along on a quiet night looking for things that make him happy, like shimmering stars, winking fireflies and, most of all, spending time with his good friends.

More Story Times

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: F is for Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a castle far away… Fairy tales might seem like old stories, but reading them has many benefits for children. They can spark imagination and creativity. Magical descriptions can expand a child’s vocabulary. And many fairy tales are a fun way to...

Story Time: F is for Food

Food brings people together. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday party, dinner time, or even a snack at the park, sharing food enhances cooperation, communication, and caring. So, the next time you read a book with food in it, talk with your child about the role...