SUMMER STEM: Food Web Puzzle Game
Our Summer STEM from Your Library program is made possible by our sponsors: the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho STEM Action Center. A big thank you to them for their support!
Storytime: Forest Friends
Storytime: Forest Friends
“Over in the forest underneath the pine trees sat a brown mother bear and her babies three!” Can you make some new friends in the forest? Try out some of these books and activities below to see the creatures who live in the forest. You can also put together the Cardboard Roll Shadow Puppets and make up your own stories with your new forest friends.
Join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays 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 seem as an extension of informal library classes. Children who have had joyful experiences in the public library often approach school with a positive attitude, ready and excited to learn.
Activity
After you attend Storytime, talk with your child about what they enjoyed most. Then sing the songs that were presented. You can find the words and links on this blog post.
Books Presented
Shake the Tree by Chiara Vignocchi
Various animals take turns shaking a tree in search of a tasty meal. It starts with Mouse who wants a nut so she shakes the tree a little to the right, and a little to the left. But it isn’t the nut that falls from the tree, it’s Fox who thinks that Mouse looks pretty tasty! Soon a warthog and then a bear come along with similar ideas. Little readers will enjoy the just-made-it escapes and the fun shaking-action that readers can do along with this interactive picture book
Find Fergus by Mike Boldt
Fergus the bear wants to play hide and seek with the reader, but will need help–and practice–to hide well.
Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays
Shake My Sillies Out
Gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away
I gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
And wiggle my waggles away
I gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
And wiggle my waggles away
I gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
And wiggle my waggles away
I gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away
And wiggle my waggles away
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Attention all astronauts
Please report the rocket ship
Prepare yourself for blast off
Thank you!
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take the trip
Climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
We have blast off!
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take the trip
Climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom Zoom Zoom
We’re going to the moon
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
We have blast off!
If You’re Happy and You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it do all three
Crafts and Activities
Coloring Page
Print out this cute forest scene and enjoy coloring!
Make a fun cardboard roll shadow puppet!
Additional Books
Fear the Bunny by Richard T Morris
In a forest where everyone fears rabbits, a fierce tiger tries to persuade the animals that they should fear him, instead.
Who Wants a Hug? by Jeff Mack
Everyone likes Mr. Bear except grouchy Dr. Skunk, who devises a plan to make Mr. Bear stop being happy and hugging others.
Animal Hide and Seek by Dahlov Ipcar
Sometimes, you need to know what to look for in order to see an animal, even if it’s hiding in plain sight! In Animal Hide and Seek, author and artist Dahlov Ipcar first offers young readers portraits of woodland animals and then, on the companion page, sets the animal into its natural setting, camouflaged for the careful reader to find. Gentle prose describes the animals and their habits, from deer to rabbits, from squirrels to salamanders.
Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson
Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.
More Story Times
Teen Craft: Pokémon Terrarium
Teen Craft: Pokémon Terrarium
Create a natural home for some new Pokémon buddies, included in the kit.
To make this craft, you will need:
- Small rocks/gravel
- Potting Soil
- Grass seeds
- Terrarium/clear enclosed container
- Optional: Pokémon
Fill the bottom of your terrarium with small rocks (keep some out if you want them for landscaping!). These will help with drainage. Spread about 2/3 of a cup of soil on top of the rocks, then sprinkle grass seeds on top. Cover with about 1/3 cup of soil; water and wait for your grass to grow!
Add rocks, twigs, little Pokémon or other small figures, and other items to make your terrarium uniquely yours.
No video instruction.
July 1st – July 15th TEEN Activities
July 1st – July 15th TEEN Activities
Young League of Writers
Monday, July 12th, at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Connect with fellow writers to learn how to create characters who grow, transform, and have greater depth.
Our Discord Server is another place to chat and discuss writing. Click below to join!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, July 28th at 4 – 6 p.m. in the Community Room
Join in on an epic adventure! Create your own character, let the dice choose your fate, and interact with others to see where the quest takes you.
Sign up or RSVP for this upcoming session of Dungeons & Dragons. Join our Discord server to connect with fellow adventurers and to learn more.
For teens 12 – 18 years of age.
Summer Teen Crafts
Every Thursday during Summer Reading, a new take ‘n go Teen Craft will be available at the front Circulation Desk.
While supplies last. For ages 12 – 18.
Instructions and material lists can also be found on our website, under “Teen Zone,” and on our YouTube channel.
June 17: Wall Hanging Button Holder
June 24: Hedgehog Earbud Holder
July 1: Pokémon Terrarium
July 8: Monkey Fist Knot
July 15: Cut-Paper Fox Tin Art
July 22: Paper Firebirds
July 29: Shadow Art
Summer Reading, June 7th – July 31st
Sign-ups are now in the front lobby area at the booth, available until July 24th. Program ends July 31st.
Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties.
The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!
Teen Short Story Writing Contest
- Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
- Open to Madison Library District residents only
- 2,000 word maximum
- Limit 1 short story per person
- Must include an animal as part of the main story
- No photos or illustrations
- Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
- Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
- Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
- Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
- Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.
DEADLINE:
All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.
PRIZES:
First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.
All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.
For more information please email Gina Miller.
Teen Craft: Hedgehog Earbud + Cord Holder
Teen Craft: Hedgehog Earbud + Cord Holder
Story Time: Big and Tall
Story Time: Big and Tall
Stories and activities about large animals.
Join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Ages 2-5
Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play
Tip
Practicing fine motor skills, such as making small finger motions while singing a song, helps develop your child’s coordination. Four-year old children have greater control of their fingers and hands than younger children do. Songs such as “Open Them, Shut Them” are easier for three-, four-, and five-year olds than for younger children because children develop greater coordination and control of small movements as they age.
Activity
Encourage children to use their hands and fingers to follow the directions to the song, “Open Them, Shut Them.”
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them,
Give a little clap.
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them,
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them, creep them, creep them
Right up to your chin.
Open up your little mouth… (pause)
But do not let them in! (shake finger)
Books Presented
Hiccupotamus by Steve Smallman
The jungle animals are having a musical celebration! Mouse squeaks, Bird tweets, and Centipede taps his feet. Then more animals hear the music and want to join in, as Monkey, Warthog, and Crocodile bring their own music-making talents to the group. But what is that silly Hippo doing?
Who Eats Orange? by Dianne White
Who eats orange—a chicken? A bunny? A bear? Find out in this unique exploration of colors and animals’ favorite foods.
Animals eat a rainbow of different foods. Gorillas in the mountains eat green, octopi in the ocean eat red, and toucans in the canopy eat purple. Young animal enthusiasts will love digging into this lively journey around the world to explore the colorful diets of many animals, from the familiar to the exotic.
Giraffe Problems by Jory John
Can you guess what’s making this giraffe self-conscious? Could it be . . . HIS ENORMOUS NECK?? Yes, it’s exactly that–how on earth did you figure it out?
Edward the giraffe can’t understand why his neck is as long and bendy and, well, ridiculous as it is. No other animal has a neck this absurd. He’s tried disguising it, dressing it up, strategically hiding it behind bushes–honestly, anything you can think of, he’s tried.
Just when he has exhausted his neck-hiding options and is about to throw in the towel, a turtle swoops in (well, ambles in, very slowly) and helps him understand that his neck has a purpose, and looks excellent in a bow tie.
Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? by Jory John
Persnickety Elephant has an itch–a big one–and he can’t reach it! While he isn’t above asking for a little help, no one is up to the task. Turtle is too lazy, Snail is too slimy, and Alligator… well, Elephant isn’t sure he wants his assistance. Does Elephant have to do everything himself?
Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays
Five Elephants in the Bathtub
One elephant in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock (clap twice)
Splash, splash (slap knees twice)
Come on in! (motion with both hands to come in)
(count up from 1-5)
Five elephants in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock (clap twice)
Splash, splash (slap knees twice)
It all fell in! (knock the felt pieces down)
The Jungle Song
Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.
When he growls, sharp teeth I see.
He’s as scary as can be!
Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.
Elephant, elephant, large and grey
Swings his trunk along the way.
His ears are big, his tusks are white,
Don’t be scared, he doesn’t bite!
Elephant, elephant, large and grey,
Swings his trunk along the way.
Crocodile, crocodile, long and green,
The sharpest teeth you’ve ever seen.
His legs are short, his mouth is wide,
Get too close and you’ll be inside!
Crocodile, crocodile, long and green,
The sharpest teeth you’ve ever seen.
Giraffe, giraffe, so very tall,
He spreads out his legs so he won’t fall.
He eats leaves from the tops of the trees,
His long neck helps him reach them with ease!
Giraffe, giraffe, so very tall,
He spreads out his legs so he won’t fall.
Hippopotamus, wallows and lies,
In the mud right up to his eyes.
Wallowing in the muddy pool,
Keeps his skin so very cool.
Hippopotamus, wallows and lies,
In the mud right up to his eyes.
Lion, lion mighty and strong.
With a very loud roar and a mane so long.
A lioness has no mane,
Acub is a baby lion’s name.
Lion, lion mighty and strong.
With a very loud roar and a mane so long.
If You’re an Elephant and You Know It!
To the tune “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
And you really want to show it,
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
Other options:
Monkey – jump up and down
Crocodile – snap your jaws
Lion – give a roar!
I Know a Giraffe
To the tune “On Top of Old Smokey”
I know a giraffe.
With a neck that’s real high.
She stretches and stretches
Til it reaches the sky.
She lives on the plains
With the elephants too
You might also see her when you go to the zoo.
Crafts and Activities
Elephant Nose Craft
Have fun making this silly elephant trunk craft!
Additional Books
Abigail by Catherine Rayner
Abigail the giraffe wants to count the spots on her animal friends, Ladybug, Zebra, and Cheetah, but when they move too fast for counting, Abigail comes up with a new plan.
A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems
Piggie is upset because a whale took the ball she found, but Gerald finds a solution that pleases all of them.
Boa's Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis
It was Boa’s birthday.
It was going to be the best one ever.
Or so he hoped.
It was going to be the best one ever.
Or so he hoped.
He invited his friends round.
They would all bring him wonderful presents.
Or would they?
The Short Giraffe by Neil Flory
Geri is the shortest giraffe in the herd, which causes all kinds of problems when Boba the baboon tries to take a photo. Can Geri stretch up tall enough to be in the picture? Or are the other giraffes looking at things from the wrong perspective? A very sweet story for preschoolers about difference and acceptance.
Jangles: A BIG Fish Story by Davin Shannon
Breathtaking oil paintings bursting with energy pull readers along into Big Lake, the home of Jangles, the biggest fish anyone has seen. Fishing alone at dusk, a boy feels a tug on his line and comes face-to-face with the gigantic trout–whose enormous jaw is covered with so many lures and fish hooks that he jingles and jangles when he swims. Terrified by the sight, the boy is shocked when Jangles befriends him and takes him on an adventure to the bottom of the lake. A surprise ending will leave readers laughing and shaking their heads. Here is Shannon at his very best-in a wild and witty story that begs repeated reading.
More Story Times
Summer STEM: Outdoor Art
Our Summer STEM from Your Library program is made possible by our sponsors: the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho STEM Action Center. A big thank you to them for their support!
How tall is a giraffe? Find out with the Outdoor Kit! Have even more fun creating birds from items you find in nature.
Materials needed:
- String – 5 yards
- Sidewalk chalk
- Bird template
- Flowers, leaves, sticks, etc found in nature
This craft was inspired by this post from EdVentures With Kids
June 13th – 30th Teen Activities
June 13th – 30th Teen Activities
Teen Anime Club
Monday, June 21st at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Teens ages 12-18 gather together to watch anime favorites, chat about manga, and play games. No need to apply — just show up!
This month we will have a Pokémon the First Movie Popcorn Party!
Email Gina @ gina.m@madisonlib.org for more information.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, June 23 at 4 – 6 p.m. in the Community Room
Join in on an epic adventure! Create your own character, let the dice choose your fate, and interact with others to see where the quest takes you.
Sign up or RSVP for this upcoming session of Dungeons & Dragons. Join our Discord server to connect with fellow adventurers and to learn more.
For teens 12 – 18 years of age.
Madison Bibliomaniacs Teen Book Chat
Monday, June 28th at 4 p.m. in the Community Room.
Who loves to read?? This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and discuss the love of books with others who appreciate the written word as much as you.
June’s Bibliomaniac book will be The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base. Bring your detective skills to solve the who-dunnit mystery of the book by decoding the puzzles on each illustrated page. And of course we will have treats!
Summer Teen Crafts
Every Thursday during Summer Reading, a new take ‘n go Teen Craft will be available at the front Circulation Desk.
While supplies last. For ages 12 – 18.
Instructions and material lists can also be found on our website, under “Teen Zone,” and on our YouTube channel.
June 17: Wall Hanging Button Holder
June 24: Hedgehog Earbud Holder
July 1: Pokémon Terrarium
July 8: Monkey Fist Knot
July 15: Cut-Paper Fox Tin Art
July 22: Paper Firebirds
July 29: Shadow Art
Summer Reading has STARTED
Sign-ups are now in the front lobby area at the booth.
Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties.
The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!
Teen Short Story Writing Contest
- Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
- Open to Madison Library District residents only
- 2,000 word maximum
- Limit 1 short story per person
- Must include an animal as part of the main story
- No photos or illustrations
- Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
- Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
- Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
- Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
- Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.
DEADLINE:
All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.
PRIZES:
First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.
All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.
For more information please email Gina Miller.
Adult Makers: Waste Canvas Critters
Adult Makers: Waste Canvas Critters
Time to learn how to make waste canvas cross stitch critters!
Materials needed are:
– Waste canvas/mesh, 6×6″
– Animal patterns
– Needle
– 5 safety pins
– Embroidery floss, 5 colors w/3 strands
(white, black, warm brown, bright pink, and dark red)
– Material to cross stitch on (ex: tshirt, towel, book bag, etc)
– Scissors
– Optional: pencil