Birth to 6 @ Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

Día Event! Oregon Shadow Theatre presents "Anansi the Spider" Wednesday at 4 pm.

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:28:00 +0000

It's been awhile since we've posted here. We're in the process of redoing our website and will be merging this blog with our other library blog. In the meantime, we have an exciting program at the library this week!

This Wednesday! Join the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, as hundreds of libraries throughout the country host special multicultural events in celebration of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day).

To celebrate Día (Diversity in Action), Oregon Shadow Theatre will be here presenting "Anansi the Spider" on Wednesday, April 30th at 4 pm in the Main Meeting Room of the Corvallis Library. This will be an amazing shadow puppet show! Anansi the Spider is a West-African trickster tale that is sure to entertain the whole family!

The West African trickster Anansi the Spider is brought to life by the Oregon Shadow Theatre. As shadow puppeteer Deb Chase manipulates and gives voice to the puppets from behind the shadow screen, Mick Doherty works in view of the audience providing music, voices, and sound effects, and acting as a storyteller. Marimba, Ghanaian hand drum, and thumb piano are among the many instruments and sound effects devices used. The colorful shadow puppets are based on African designs.

Raising My Rainbow Author Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:10:00 +0000

Lori Duron is the author of Raising My Rainbow - a poignant, heartbreaking, and laugh-out-loud funny memoir that explores the joys and challenges of raising a gender-creative child. She’ll be speaking at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library on October 8, 2013 at 7:00 pm in the Main Meeting Room.

Parents of Gender Nonconforming children are invited to a special visit with Lori Duron at the library before her talk from 6:00-6:30 pm. This session is free but sign up is required; parents can email Robin Fosdick at robin.fosdick@corvallisoregon.gov to register.

If any member of the public has a disability and needs accommodations to attend this event, please call 541-766-6794.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Hilton Garden Inn. Grass Roots Books and Music will have books available for sale at the event.

For more information, check out the event flyer here, contact the library, or visit Lori Duron's blog.

Pick of the Week: Good Night, Sleep Tight

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to remember or practice the rhymes you hear in storytime? Well, some of our favorites appear in Mem Fox's new book Good Night, Sleep Tight. Siblings Bonnie and Ben have a favorite babysitter, Skinny Doug, who tells them nursery rhymes at bedtime. This is a fun rhyming bedtime book full of favorites like "It's Raining, It's Pouring!", "This Little Piggy," "Round and Round the Garden," and "This is the Way the Ladies Ride."

Good Night, Sleep Tight by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Orchard Books, 2013)

Summer Reading suggestions

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 17:54:00 +0000

Happy Summer Reading! Summer Reading is here and we're having a great time at the library! A lot of kids in our community have taken the summer reading pledge to read everyday this summer. By completing the Summer Reading Program, these kids are helping the library earn a new display case for the entrance into the Inez Campbell Children's Room. The Friends of the Library are generously donating the funds for this project.

Need some inspiration on what to read this summer? We've created lists of some of our favorite (new and old) books for kids of all ages:


Birth - Preschool Printable pdf	Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Printable pdf	3rd - 5th Grade Printable pdf

We'd love to hear what you're enjoying this summer, too! Leave a comment or stop by and tell us in person!

Teddy Bear Picnic: June 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:23:00 +0000

You're invited to the annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Central Park (across from the library) on Thursday, June 27th, at 10 a.m.!

Come listen and dance to music by PBS Kids' Aaron Nigel Smith and meet Olivia the Pig!

Bring a blanket, camera, and your favorite stuffed animal. It's going to be FUN!

Thank you to the Friends of the Library for their generous support of the summer reading program!

Summer Reading is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:39:00 +0000

Summer Reading Program
Kids Ages Birth - 12 years old.
click here for a printable PDF | Reading Log Instructions PDF

Find out more on our Summer Reading page!

"Dig Into Reading!" is the theme of the 2013 Summer Reading Program for children; the library is the perfect place to curl up with newly discovered stories or old favorites. Explore a database and learn a new language, or attend a fun program.

Research shows that kids who read during the summer do better in school in the fall. The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library has books, recorded and downloadable books, magazines, databases, and knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect story. Keep your mind active and your brain cells revved. Enjoy storytimes, live entertainment, R.E.A.D Dogs, and more @ Your Library.

This summer kids can help install a Discovery Wall in the entrance to the Kids Area of the library! Featuring display space for the community and library, the Discovery Wall will provide an exciting and informative entry into Youth Services.

For every book read, the Friends of the Library will provide a monetary contribution to help make the Discovery Wall a reality. By reading tons of books this summer, kids will have a chance to make a contribution to the library that the entire community can enjoy.

Track your reading this summer & help the library build a special display case for the entrance to the Children’s Room! Pick up your reading log, summer reading bag, and other materials at the Corvallis Library today!

Please call 541-766-6794 for program questions.

Meet a Youth Services Librarian: Robin

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your local librarians? In a continuing blog post series, we'll be featuring short interviews with our Youth Services Librarians to help you get to know us a little better. Our first librarian to be featured was Dana.

Today's featured librarian is Robin Fosdick. Our patrons often refer to her as the "tall, dark-haired librarian" whom introduced many toddlers in our community to the "sleeping bunnies" song at story time. Those of us privileged to work with Robin know her as a champion of teen library services, a voracious graphic novel reader, a dog lover, doll collector, chocolate lover, graphic designer, and the go-to person for vampire, zombie, and faerie book recommendations.

Robin celebrating a childhood birthday.

What did your friends/family say when you began working as a librarian?

My grade school librarian, Ms. Ernst, said to my mother, "What took her so long to figure that out?" I practically lived in the library as a child.

What is your favorite children's book?

The Rescuers by M. Sharp, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle, and anything with ghosts or time travel or dolls...

What is your favorite aspect of your job?

Buying all the graphic novels for the library. YAY! Comics! Manga!...Making the kittens at the Reference Desk say, "meow!" when little kids pet them. (The kittens are part of the sculpture that sits on the desk.)

Do you have a unique talent?

Hello Kitty Radar - I always, always know whenever there's something cool by Sanrio/Hello Kitty anywhere around me. That exact pink color makes my subconscious go SQUEEEEE!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I collect dolls and toys - my house looks like a toy store!

Pick of the Week: The Incredible Book Eating Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:36:00 +0000

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel Books)

I've seen plenty of babies and toddlers attempt to "eat" books (no judgement here - it's totally developmentally appropriate, as they explore their world through their senses). I'm sure it's possible that some of you may have wondered about whether one could gain knowledge if one digested his or her books, literally (maybe a little judgement here, ha ha). Well, perhaps we can all take an imaginative ride into what might happen if someone attempted just that very thing:

Henry, like many children, loves books. However, unlike most children, he doesn't read them, he eats them. He'll eat anything, too - big books, small books, reference books, picture books... Amazingly, he really does grow smarter with all of these facts he's digesting. After awhile, though, all of those facts get jumbled inside of him. He's eating too many books and too quickly for him to fully digest each morsel of knowledge. All of this chaos inside creates a stomachache for Henry. Perhaps he'll find another way to love books, gain knowledge, and avoid feeling ill. Check out this picture book by Oliver Jeffers and find out what happens to this young bibliophile.

Toddler Nature Storytime: Bears & Owls

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:57:00 +0000

It's Natural Areas Celebration Week (May 4th - 12th, 2013)

In the spirit of learning about and exploring our natural world, we had a nature-themed toddler storytime this week. Here's how it went:

We opened storytime by "shaking our sillies out," which is our weekly routine. I had never heard this song before I began working at this library, but it's definitely one of the favorites with our youngest patrons. Both Raffi and Bob McGrath (from Sesame Street fame) have great renditions of the song on their albums. There is even a sing-along book by Raffi.

Into the Wild by Lerryn Korda (Candlewick, 2010)

The illustrations are very cute and toddler-friendly in this book. Little Nye, Nella, and Lester would like to go exploring into the wild with Gracie, but she cautions them: You need to be brave! It could get dark outside! There might be grizzlies! Luckily Gracie decides to let them join her on exploring the wild patch at the end of the backyard garden.

We walked, jumped, danced, and sang together to "I Like to Walk" by Grenadilla. This is a very sunny, danceable album for children.

With the aid of owl puppets, I shared the story of owl siblings Sarah, Percy, and little Bill who are missing their mother in this classic book on dealing with separation anxiety:

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell (Candlewick, 1992)

We got up and moved to this rhyme from Librarian Lisa's blog (which also contains more classic, movement-oriented rhymes):

Once I Saw a Little Bird
Once I saw a little bird
Come hop, hop, hop:
So I cried, "Little bird,
Won't you stop, stop, stop?"

I was going to the window
To say, "How do you do?"
But he shook his little tail,
And away he flew!

We sang "Clap Everybody and Say Hello" by Kathy Reid-Naiman from her album Sally Go Round the Sun:

Sally Go Round the Sun (Kathy Reid-Naiman)

Next we shared:

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. (Henry Holt, 2007)

A young bear sees a variety of animals from North America in this picture book illustrated by Eric Carle. We saw everything from a mule deer to a blue heron to a rattlesnake!

There is so much you can see just in your backyard or at a park around town! I shared with the group that I had seen several of nature's treasures in my garden over the weekend: a garden snake, earthworm, hummingbird, dragonfly, and even a roly poly. Toddlers are so naturally curious, this is a great age to start exploring the outdoors together.

One of my favorite songs to use with toddlers and preschoolers is "Stand Up, Sit Down" that I was introduced to years ago when I worked at another library in Washington state. This song is simple, but requires listening to directions and exercising a bit of self-regulation. The song is from this album by William Janiak, a music therapist:

Songs About Me by Bill Janiak

One of my all-time favorite authors and illustrators for sharing with young children is Nancy Tafuri:

Mama's Little Bears by Nancy Tafuri (Scholastic, 2002)

Mama's little bears are learning to fish, but curiosity leads them to explore the world around them. They meet spiders, river otters, and even an owl family up a tree. Luckily, mama bear is never far from these newly independent bears.

We explored the difference between big and small with our next rhyme and song. I love the "This is Big" rhyme from Mel's Desk (thank you, Melissa!). Of course, we had to sing Itsy-Bitsy Spider, too.

The last book I shared was:

In My Tree by Sara Gillingham & Lorena Siminovich (Chronicle Books)

This is a board book with an owl finger puppet integrated into the book. The illustrations are among my favorites and since I have a small obsession with owls, I couldn't resist featuring this one in storytime. Interactive books are great for toddlers, especially one-on-one. It helps hold their interest in the book and makes the story come alive through their senses.

I try to end with the same rhyme every week:

Tickle the Clouds
Tickle the clouds
Tickle your toes
Turn around and
Tickle your nose

Reach down low
Reach up high
Storytime is over
Wave "goodbye!"

Happy Natural Areas Celebration Week!

Pick of the Week: The Boy and the Airplane

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:22:00 +0000

The Boy and the Airplane by Mark Pett
I love wordless picture books, as they are wonderful opportunities for storytelling and stretching your imagination. It's the perfect way for children (and adults) who are not confident readers yet to tell a story. Take a break from reading aloud to your child and have them read to you - no matter what their age or skill! In this book by author and illustrator Mark Pett, a boy receives the gift of a red toy airplane. Unfortunately, it's not long before the toy airplane gets stuck up on the roof. But he has a plan to retrieve it. It's a long term plan and is a bit humorous, but eventually he accomplishes his task and passes the gift on to a child.

Picture Books as Art - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:59:00 +0000

Picture books are more than just stories for children - they are often works of art, in and of themselves. I'm going to highlight some books that work as both story and works for art in a series of "picture books as art."

The summaries below are courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.

The Table That Ran Away to the Woods by Stefan Themerson, illustrations by Franciszka Themerson
(Tate, 2012. First published 1963.)

The Table That Ran Away to the Woods tells the story of a writing desk that one day “grabbed two pairs of shoes / ran downstairs, and took flight,” escaping into the countryside with its owners in barefoot pursuit. This is the first time the tale—first published in a Polish newspaper in 1940 and re-created in this exquisite collaged version in 1963—has been made available to an English-speaking audience.

Praise forThe Table that Ran Away to the Woods:
"The story, an afterword explains, ties into the Themersons’ avantgarde filmmaking, writing, and artwork in the 1930s (an early version appeared in an expatriate newspaper published in Paris). Readers needn’t be familiar with the backstory to appreciate the collage-like images of the table scampering over hills and reclaiming its existence."
—Publishers Weekly

Henri's Walk to Paris by Leonore Klein, illustrated by Saul Bass (Universe, 2012)

Henri’s Walk to Paris is the story of a young boy who lives in Reboul, France, who dreams of going to Paris. One day, after reading a book about Paris, he decides to pack a lunch and head for the city.
“Like many of us Henri wants to see Paris.
In Paris, there are thousands of buses. In Reboul, where Henri lives, there is only one bus.
In Paris there are many parks and rows and rows of trees. The park in Reboul has only five trees. In Paris there are many zoos full of animals for the people to see. So one fine day Henri packs up some lunch and starts off to see all the things he had read about.”
Along the way, Henri gets tired and falls asleep under a tree. And this is when the story gets really charming. What Henri sees, we see, in a flowing panorama of pictures conceived by the eminent graphic designer Saul Bass.

Hip Hop Dog by Chris Raschka, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky (HarperCollins, 2010)

From top dogs Chis Raschka and Vladimir Radunsky comes an uplifting tale of canine self-reliance told in acrobatic, infectious rhyme.

I'm the zoom-est and the boom-est, spread no gloom-est, say no doom-est. I'm the top-est, never stop-est, Boston Pop-est, be be bop-est. I'm the jazz-est, razzmatazz-est, dazzle dazz-est, most pizzazz-est.

Think I kinda like it as the Hip Hop Dog.

In an empowering story of an underdog who finds his voice and sense of self-worth through music, here is one hip dog who starts out as a dejected mutt but finds his groove—and his place in the world—through hip hop.

The Heart of the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel Books, 2010)

There is a wonder and magic to childhood. We don’t realize it at the time, of course . . . yet the adults in our lives do. They encourage us to see things in the stars, to find joy in colors and laughter as we play. But what happens when that special someone who encourages such wonder and magic is no longer around? We can hide, we can place our heart in a bottle and grow up . . . or we can find another special someone who understands the magic. And we can encourage them to see things in the stars, find joy among colors and laughter as they play. Oliver Jeffers delivers a remarkable book, a tale of poignancy and resonance reminiscent of The Giving Tree that will speak to the hearts of children and parents alike.

Bear Despair by Gaëtan Dorémus (Enchanted Lion Books, 2012)

Don't ever take a bear's teddy bear, no matter how cute you think it is. If you do, you'll be in for trouble. Big trouble. For a bear whose teddy has been stolen isn't simply heartbroken, but determined to get it back. So determined that he might just gobble up more than honey to do so! However, should he succeed in getting his teddy back, then there just might be a surprise in store. This is a book that all readers will relish, and one they will want to read again and again.

Born in 1971,Gaetan Doremus received his degree from the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, France, in 1999, after which he picked up a few other degrees while creating picture books and illustrations for the press. Doremus has illustrated over twenty books and has produced hundreds of freestanding illustrations and cartoons. He loves to bicycle ride, walk in the mountains, and eat green tomatoes with cinnamon. In 2006, he became a Papa.


Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton (Candlewick Press, 2010)

Uh-oh! Little Owl has fallen from his nest and landed with a whump on the ground. Now he is lost, and his mommy is nowhere to be seen! With the earnest help of his new friend Squirrel, Little Owl goes in search of animals that fit his description of Mommy Owl. But while some are big (like a bear) or have pointy ears (like a bunny) or prominent eyes (like a frog), none of them have all the features that make up his mommy. Where could she be? A cast of adorable forest critters in neon-bright hues will engage little readers right up to the story’s comforting, gently wry conclusion.

Seasons by Blexbolex (Enchanted Lion Books, 2010)

In this graphically stunning picture book, Blexbolex explores the cyclical nature of time by looking at the seasons. Using objects, landscapes, activities, and different types of people that are associated with each season (such as a skier, a swimmer, a roasted chestnut seller), Blexbolex evokes the sense of permanency given to life by its cyclical nature, despite the fact that time is always passing. The purpose of this book is to encourage observation of the world around us and lead the reader to form all sorts of logical and imaginative associations having to do with the seasons, the cycles of life, and time.
An illustrator of graphic genius,Blexbolexentered art school with the intention of becoming a painter, but left having discovered his talent as a silksceen artist. Since then, he has worked regularly with book publishers in France and Germany, as well as for the press. In 2009 he received the prestegious Golden Letter award for best book design throughout the world.

The Velveteen Rabbit retold by Komako Sakai (Enchanted Lion Books, 2012)

The tender relationship between the boy and his stuffed rabbit shines through gorgeous, luminous illustrations, transporting adult readers into the world of childhood while giving children a picture of themselves. In her retelling of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Komako Sakai's text flows beautifully with her evocative, color-saturated illustrations. Written in gentle tones, the text resonates with the tender relationship between the boy and his toy rabbit. And, as always, Sakai's sensitive illustrations succeed in an absolute sense in evoking the interior world of the child, with all of its playful energy and poignant solitude. Her depictions of child and rabbit are memorable and may well become part of our collective, culturalmemory of Williams' original book. Sakai's text is simpler than Williams', allowing her illustrations to convey much that is left unsaid, making for a fine integrity between word and image.

Komako Sakai was born in Hyogo, Japan. After graduating from Tokyo's National University of Fine Arts and Music, Sakai worked at a kimono textile design company. She is currently one of the most popular authors and illustrators in Japan. She is well known in the United States for In the Meadow, Emily's Balloon, and The Snow Day.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva (Little, Brown, 2011)

Follow that road!
Speed off on an eventful bicycle ride along the bold yellow road that cuts through town, by the sea, and through the country. Ride up and around, along and through, out and down.
Frank's striking graphic style is executed in just five joyous colors, and his spare, rhythmic language is infectious.
Hit a bump?
Get back on track!
Reach the end?
Start again!

"The overall effect is one of speed: the rider is leaning forward, the road whips away like ribbon, and each word puffs out like a bicyclist's panted breath. Eccentric and peculiar, but handsome, too."--Kraus, Danie. Copyright 2010 Booklist


Ganesha's Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes (Chronicle Books, 2012)

The bold, bright colors of India leap right off the page in this fresh and funny picture book retelling (with a twist) of how Ganesha came to help write the epic poem of Hindu literature, the Mahabharata. Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, especially the traditional dessertladdoo. But when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreakerladdoo, his tusk breaks off! Ganesha is terribly upset, but with the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, he learns that what seems broken can actually be quite useful after all. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and offbeat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive rendition of a classic tale.

Red Knit Cap Girl by Naoko Stoop (Little, Brown, 2012)

Red Knit Cap Girl is a little girl with a big dream -- to meet the Moon.

Red Knit Cap Girl lives with her animal friends in an enchanted forest. There is so much to see and do, but more than anything Red Knit Cap Girl wishes she could talk to the Moon. Join Red Knit Cap Girl and her forest friends on a journey of curiosity, imagination, and joy as they search for a way to meet the Moon.

Gorgeously illustrated on wood grain, Red Knit Cap Girl's curiosity, imagination, and joy will captivate the hearts of readers young and old as her journey offers a gentle reminder to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around us.

The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012)

Beetles squeak and beetles glow.
Beetles stink, beetles sprint, beetles walk on water.

With Legs, antennae, horns, beautiful shells, knobs, and other oddities--what's not to like about beetles?

The beetle world is vast: one out of every four living thing on earth is a beetle. There are over 350,000 different species named so far and scientists suspect there may be as many as a million.

From the goliath beetle that weighs one fourth of a pound to the nine inch long titan beetle, award-winning author-illustrator Steve Jenkins presents a fascinating array of these intriguing insects and the many amazing adaptations they have made to survive.

Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska (Carolrhoda Books, 2012)

Uma can't help feeling small when she peers up at the night sky. She begins to wonder about infinity. Is infinity a number that grows forever? Is it an endless racetrack? Could infinity be in an ice cream cone? Uma soon finds that the ways to think about this big idea may just be . . . infinite

Unspoken: a Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole (Scholastic Press, 2012)

A young girl's courage is tested in this haunting, wordless story.

When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to help him? Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, the other following her heart. Henry Cole's unusual and original rendering of the Underground Railroad speaks directly to our deepest sense of compassion.

House Held Up By Trees by Ted Kooser, illustrated by Jon Klassen (Candlewick, 2012)

From Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Ted Kooser and rising talent Jon Klassen comes a poignant tale of loss, change, and nature's quiet triumph.
When the house was new, not a single tree remained on its perfect lawn to give shade from the sun. The children in the house trailed the scent of wild trees to neighboring lots, where thick bushes offered up secret places to play. When the children grew up and moved away, their father, alone in the house, continued his battle against blowing seeds, plucking out sprouting trees. Until one day the father, too, moved away, and as the empty house began its decline, the trees began their approach. At once wistful and exhilarating, this lovely, lyrical story evokes the inexorable passage of time - and the awe-inspiring power of nature to lift us up.

Philomath Storytime Changes!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0000

The last Starlight Storytime at the Philomath Community Library will take place on Tuesday, April 30^th.

In May we are launching our first Philomath Community Library Baby Storytime! This is something the public and various community organizations have asked for and we are super stoked to finally be able to try it out.

Baby Storytime will be held on the first and third Monday of each month at 10:00 am. The content will be appropriate for babies ages 0-12 months with a parent or caregiver.

We'll still be offering the Rise and Shine Storytime on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Come join us for storytime fun!

For more Philomath Community Library events, head here. Questions? Call 541-929-3016. Keep up with us on our Facebook page, too!

Prehistoric Reads Revisited!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:40:00 +0000

With The Croods (the latest DreamWorks kids movie) out in theaters now, I thought it might be time to revisit the Prehistoric Reads I posted awhile ago:

Me Hungry! by Jeremy Tankard (Candlewick Press, 2008)

A little prehistoric boy decides to hunt for his own food, and makes a new friend in the process.

Picks of the Week: Prehistoric Reads!


Mammoth and Me by Algy Craig Hall (Boxer Books, 2012)

When a BIG (but oh-so-cuddly) mammoth knocks on the door of one small boy, it's the beginning of a beautiful--and funny--friendship. Though the boy loves his new pet immediately, the mammoth is just too huge for his home, the park, and the town. But the friendly creature will soon prove to everyone that he is about to become the town's hero. A heartwarming and gentle tale of learning to be friends no matter what differences there may be.

Kali's Song by Jeanette Winter (Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012)

Renowned picture book author and illustrator Jeanette Winter brings us the enchanting story of a boy named Kali who lived thousands and thousands of years ago. Kali must learn to hunt, like the rest of the men in his tribe. But when Kali plucks the string on his bow, he forgets about shooting arrows, and makes music long into the night. Even the stars come close to listen.

This lovely story, celebrating the uniqueness in all of us, the beauty of the natural world, and showing the power of music and art over violence, will be cherished by children everywhere.


Caveman: A B.C. Story by Janee Trasler (Sterling Children's Books, 2011)

This clever picture book utilizes only 26 words, all in alphabetical order, to tell the story of a caveman and his prehistoric friends.

Meet Mammoth (an Ogg and Bob book) by Ian Fraser (Marshall Cavendish, 2010)

Two cavemen, Ogg and Bob, capture a mammoth and then try to train him as a pet. (A fun beginning chapter book read-aloud!)

Summaries from Syndetics, Inc.

Spring Events

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:32:00 +0000

We've got some great events at the library this spring! Don't forget to check out the Spring Early Literacy Newsletter, too!

Children's Day / Book Day, El día de los niños / El día de los libros

Tuesday, April 30th
Program 1: Make Your Own Pan Flute Workshop*, Ages 8-14, 3:30 p.m.*Preregistration Required, beginning April 15th. (Space is limited.)
Program 2: Special Aztec Music Presentation, suitable for all ages, 4:15 p.m. Experience Aztec music and culture with Oregon artist and educator, Samuel Becerra. Read more.

Can Do!: a preschool family science program

Can Do!: exploring basic science concepts of color, geometry, magnets, motion, and sinking/floating. A Mother Goose Asks “Why?” Preschool Science Program: introducing science through picture books and family activities. Thursday, April 11, 10:00 a.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

Joseph Bruchac, Storyteller & Writer

Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Music
Thursday, May 9th, 2013 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Main Meeting Room. A free storytelling event for adults, teens, and school-aged children. Joseph Bruchac is the author of more than 120 books for children and adults.

Spring Early Literacy Newsletter

Check out the Spring Early Literacy Newsletter for recommended children's books, literacy ideas, and music picks to share with young children.

Pick of the Week: Monsters Love Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:58:00 +0000

Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin (Harper, 2013)

I'm fond of doing "theme" storytimes that share basic concepts like colors, counting, shapes, and sizes. I'm looking forward to trying out this new book about colors by Mike Austin in storytime soon. These adorable monsters like to scribble, mix, dance, and wiggle (just like so many of the children that come to storytime!). This book should inspire budding artists to have some fun creative exploration with color.

Time to Get Creative!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:16:00 +0000

This week the library is hosting its first Maker Festival on Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28 from 12-4 pm each day in the library's Main Meeting Room.

What is a Maker Festival? A showcase exploring the Makerspace concept: "a space to make things in." Join us for fun, hands-on activities for kids, teens, and adults, including 3-D printer demos, Arduino electronic creations, local artists, OSU Robotics, Kinetic Creatures' walking cardboard creatures, The Arts Center, Punk Rockets, a Built It Table featuring Snap Circuits, K'nex, Legos, and more! For more info, call your library at 541-766-6794 or 541-766-6793. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Here are a few picture books to spark the imagination of young readers/listeners: (full list here.)

Andrew Drew and Drew
By Saltzberg, Barney
2012-10 - ABRAMS
9781419703775
Click here to check our catalog

When Andrew gets hold of a pencil, anything canNand doesNhappen in this innovative and artistic book. The story literally unfolds step by step as readers are invited to follow Andrew through flaps and gatefolds. This lighthearted depiction of artistic inspiration is sure to engage doodlers of all ages. Full color. …More

Every-Day Dress-Up
By Alko, Selina
2011-10 - Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
9780375860928
Click here to check our catalog

A young girl imagines her own future as she puts on costumes and pretends to be great women from history, including Amelia Earhart, Lucille Ball, and Eleanor Roosevelt. …More

A Few Blocks
By Young, Cybele
2011-08 - Groundwood Books
9780888999955
Click here to check our catalog

Ferdie doesn't want to go to school, but go to school he must, and fortunately his imaginative older sister Viola paves the way. First she urges him to put on his rocket blaster boots, which enable him to leave the house. When he stalls again she convinces him to take command of a ship in search of buried treasure, and at the next meltdown, she tells him that as a knight, his duty is to fight the fierce fire-breathing dragon who has stolen the princess. But then it is Viola's turn to fall apart, and Ferdie, following her example, draws on his own inner resources and imagination to keep them on their way. The children's fantasy world is beautifully illustrated by Cybele Young's intricate 3-D paper sculptures, which have been painted with contemporary urban images and then photographed for this book.
…More

See the full list here:
http://library.booksite.com/6680/nl/?list=CNL7

School Readiness

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:24:00 +0000

Parents want their children to succeed when they head to school for the first time. But, how do you know your child is school-ready? What does it take to give them the right start? Zero to Three has a great infographic on the "school ready child." Take a look here.

http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/school-readiness-infographic.html

Early Literacy Tips Video

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:53:00 +0000

I stumbled upon a great video for parents about early literacy from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. These years are important ones with your little ones. There are easy ways to incorporate learning into your everyday moments. Before you know it, you'll have raised a reader! :)

Happy 50th Birthday, Amelia Bedelia!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:48:00 +0000


Image from HarperCollins: http://harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/ameliabedeliaday/

Happy 50th Birthday, Amelia Bedelia! The classic, literal-minded early-reader character is celebrating 50 years! There is also a new chapter for Ms. Bedelia, as two new chapter books debuted this year:

Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish (Greenwillow Books, 2013)

"Young Amelia Bedelia will do almost anything for a shiny new bicycle. Her parents say they'll split the cost with her, and that means Amelia Bedelia needs to put the pedal to the metal and earn some dough! With Amelia Bedelia anything can happen, and it usually does"-- Provided by publisher.

Amelia Bedelia Unleashed by Herman Parish (Greenwillow Books, 2013)

Amelia Bedelia's request for a sibling takes her parents by surprise, but she is soon distracted by the possibility of finding the perfect puppy, instead.

Saturday Events

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:02:00 +0000

Man in the Yellow Hat Storytime
Join us on Saturday, February 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Activity Room at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library (645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis) for a special storytime for dads (or father figures) and their little ones!

36th Annual Family Fun Day at LBCC
Families are invited to the 36th Annual Family Fun Day at Linn-Benton Community College will be held on Saturday, February 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Activities Center gym on the Albany campus.

Everyone is invited to this inexpensive, fun-filled event. Children ages one to six will enjoy activities such as play dough, an obstacle course, crafts, puppet show, bounce house, face painting, maze and much more. All proceeds from this event go to provide tuition grants for some of the nearly 2000 parents in Linn and Benton Counties who participate in Parenting Education classes each year.

App Pick: Elmer and Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:24:00 +0000

Elmer is a patchwork elephant and the stories of Elmer by David McKee often have a message of the value of uniqueness, friendship, and working together. In Elmer and Rose, Grandpa Eldo asks Elmer and Wilbur to look for Rose, a baby pink elephant. They have to work together to help her get back to her herd.

This story is available as a traditional picture book at the library (click here to place a hold), and as an app for purchase from the App Store here and as an Android app on Google Play here.

You can also watch a preview here, courtesy of Best Apps for Kids:

In case you're curious, there are other Elmer books and Elmer apps available, too!

Community Event: LBCC's Family Fun Day 2/2

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:41:00 +0000

LBCC’s 36th Annual Family Fun Day!

Activities for children ages 1–6!
• Activity tickets just 25¢ each
• Food & drinks
• Used book & toy sale

Saturday, February 2
10 a.m. – 2p.m.
Linn-Benton Community College's Activities Center Gym
6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany

Call 541-917-4897 for information.

Children ages one to six will enjoy activities such as play dough, an obstacle course, crafts, bounce house, face painting, pirate maze and much more. There will also be a used toy and book sale.

Everyone is invited to attend this inexpensive, fun-filled event. Costs include a suggested donation of $5 per family plus activity tickets at .25 cents each. All proceeds from this event go to support parenting programs and to provide tuition grants for some of the nearly 2,000 parents in Linn and Benton Counties who are involved in LBCC Parenting Education each year.

For more information, contact LBCC Family Resources and Education at 541-917-4897. Persons having questions about or requests for special needs & accommodations should contact the Disability Coordinator at LBCC, RCH-105, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321, Phone 541-917-4690 or via Oregon Telecommunications Relay TTD at 1-800-735-2900 or 1-800-735-1232. Contact should be made 72 hours or more in advance of the event.

Pick of the Week: The Man from the Land of Fandango

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 02:34:00 +0000

The Man from the Land of Fandango by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Polly Dunbar (Clarion Books, 2012)

Are you ready for a visit from the man from the land of Fandango? He only comes but once every 500 years, the reader learns, but, boy does it look like fun when he gets here! Polly Dunbar's whimsical illustrations depict the fun and frolic of this musical, dancing (on the ceiling, no less!) gentleman's visit. A great rhythmic and imaginative read-aloud.

New Parenting Picks on Autism

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Bad Animals: a Father's Accidental Education in Autism by Joel Yanofsky

"A veteran book reviewer, Yanofsky has spent a lifetime immersed in literature (not to mention old movies and old jokes), which he calls shtick. This account of a year in the life of a family describes a father's struggle to enter his son's world, the world of autism, using the materials he knows best: self-help books, feel-good memoirs, literary classics from the Bible to Dr. Seuss, old movies, and, yes, shtick. Funny, wrenching, and unfailingly candid, Bad Animals is both an exploration of a baffling condition and a quirky love story told by the author." Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc. Booklist calls Yanofsky's book "a welcome perspective on autism and fatherhood."

The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be by Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D.

"Move beyond conventional thinking about autism. . . . After years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, prominent Harvard researcher and clinician Dr. Martha Herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism and a transformative strategy for dealing with it. Autism is not a hardwired impairment programmed into a child's genes and destined to remain fixed forever, as we're often told. Instead, it is the result of a cascade of events, many seemingly minor: perhaps a genetic mutation, some toxic exposures, a stressful birth, a vitamin deficiency, and a series of infections. And while other doctors may dismiss your child's physical symptoms--the diarrhea, anxiety, sensory overload, sleeplessness, immune challenges, and seizures--as coincidental or irrelevant, Dr. Herbert sees them as vital clues to what the underlying problems are, and how to help. In The Autism Revolution, she teaches you how to approach autism as a collection of problems that can be overcome--and talents that can be developed. Each success you achieve gives your child more room to become healthy and to thrive. Drawing from the newest research, technologies, and insights, as well as inspiring case studies of both children and adults, Dr. Herbert guides you toward restoring health and resiliency in your loved one with autism. Her specific recommendations aim to provide optimal nutrition, reduce toxic exposures, shore up the immune system, reduce stress, and open the door to learning and creativity--all by understanding and truly meeting your child's needs. As thousands of families who have cobbled together these solutions themselves already know, this program can have dramatic benefits--for your child with autism, and for you, your whole family, and your next baby as well. A paradigm-changing book that offers hope and healing for the millions of families who have autism in their lives, The Autism Revolution shows that there's plenty you can do every day to give someone you love the best possible gift: a life lived to the fullest potential"-- Provided by publisher.

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann with Carly Fleischmann

"At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Carly remained largely unreachable through the years. Then, at the age of ten, she had a breakthrough. While working with her devoted therapists, Carly reached over to their laptop and typed “HELP TEETH HURT,” much to everyone’s astonishment. Although Carly still struggles with all the symptoms of autism, she now has regular, witty, and profound conversations on the computer with her family and her many thousands of supporters online. In Carly’s Voice, her father, Arthur Fleischmann, blends Carly’s own words w ith his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism, it brings readers inside a once-secret world and in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission." (from Amazon.com)


Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories, edited by Kay Marner and Adrienne Ehlert Bashista

Whether it's the challenge of raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, SPD, OCD or another challenge or disability, these parents share their stories of the struggles and joys they've faced.

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity by Andrew Solomon

"Winner of the National Book Award for The Noonday Demon and a board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Columbia Medical School, Solomon began seeing illness and identity as related when he covered the deaf pride movement in the 1990s. Here, he expands on this notion by exploring how families deal with children who fall outside the perceived boundaries of normal-those with dwarfism, Down syndrome, or exceptional genius, for instance, or who commit serious crimes-showing how both family and children redefine themselves." (Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.)

Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts by Eileen Riley-Hall

"This book is a celebration of all the wonderful and unexpected gifts that having a daughter on the autism spectrum can bring to a family. Each chapter offers encouragement and guidance on issues such as school, friendships, meltdowns, special gifts, family relationships, therapies and interventions. The author's positive, upbeat tone and practical advice and suggestions are guaranteed to provide support to parents, grandparents and family members. This book also gives educators, and anyone else working in a supporting role, an insight into what life is like for girls on the spectrum and their parents." Book jacket.

Everyday Activities to Help Your Young Child with Autism Live Life to the Full by Debra S. Jacobs and Dion E. Betts

"Does your child Struggle with brushing their teeth? Is it difficult to get them dressed and undressed each day? Do they struggle to understand their body's relationship to the world?" Summary courtesy of Syndetics, Inc.

It's Storytime: Come on Down!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 03:14:00 +0000

Join us for storytime at the Corvallis Library! We love sharing stories, rhymes, and songs with the children and families in our community.