PACL Kids

Bookletters

2009-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Something new is coming! This will be the final entry in the current PACL Kids blog. Today, February 13, we’re going to a new format. If you already subscribe to our blog, you will still receive it, only in its new form. If you’re not a subscriber, please take a look at the new PACL Kids here

The blog is part of BookLetters, a new enewsletter service from the Library. In addition to replacing the Library’s blogs, BookLetters has everything from lists of bestsellers to new children's chapter books, from "What's on the Air this Weekend" to teen reads, from award winners to staff suggestions. Be sure to take a look at the lists especially about children’s books.

The Library staff has also added lists specifically for Palo Alto customers. You can sign up for a number of these lists. We hope you love BookLetters – it’s our Valentine’s Day gift to you!

Groovy Graphic Novels

2009-02-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

We are receiving more requests for graphic novels. Here are some graphic novels that you may not have seen.

Magic Pickle by Scott Morse
Meet the world's greenest, bumpiest, briniest superhero, the Magic Pickle. With his feisty sidekick Jo Jo Wigman, the Magic Pickle faces his worst nightmare, the Brotherhood of Evil Produce. Will he save the world from those foul fiends, or will the world be conquered by vegetables gone wild?

Power Struggle by Sean McKeever
Peter Parker dons his Spider-man outfit to protect the city of New York from the villany of Electro, the Sandman, the Vulture, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, and the Scorpion.

Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka
Presents several comic-strip tales featuring the jet-powered robotic boy hero Astro Boy, including the story of his birth.

Billions of Bats by Scott Nickel
Sarah Bellum, the new star pupil at school, mistakenly creates hundreds of copies of her pet bat, Bobo, with her cosmic copy machine, until Buzz Beaker comes up with an ingenious way to solve the problem.

Otto's Orange Day by Frank Cammuso & Jay Lynch
After a genie fulfills Otto the cat's wish by turning the whole world orange, Otto realizes that his favorite color is not the best color for everything.

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Feb. 7 - 13)

2009-02-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Two wonderful programs tomorrow, Sat. Feb. 7, both sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library:

Saturday Showcase: Reading Becomes Storytelling
With traditional Japanese picture-card dramas called kamishibai (paper theater). Come hear Hazuki Katoaka share stories from around the world using this unique method.

Date and Time: Saturday, February 7 at 2:3 p.m. Location: Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd. Ages: For all ages

The Black History Show African American dance, singing, and spoken word. Fun for the entire family!

Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 pm Location: Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd.

Game Day!

School's out! If you're looking for something to pass the time, stop by the Children's Library to play games with other kids. Bring your own or we'll have a supply of cards and board games on hand for you to use.

Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 13 at 2 pm

Location: Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.

Ages: 5 and up

The President Goes to School

2009-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Did you see that President Obama and his wife visited a school and read to a 2nd grade class? Well, being a librarian, when I saw that, I immediately wondered, "What book did they read?"

According to the White House blog, the book in question was The Moon Over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Jerry Pinkey. Here's the story: On her family's farm in the town of Star, eight-year-old Mae eagerly follows the progress of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight and moon landing and dreams that she might one day be an astronaut, too.

The Library has this new picture book on order. I can't wait to read it! You can reserve it, too, by clicking here.

Black History Month

2009-02-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

It's February, so celebrate Black History Month!

Come on in to Children's Library and check out some of the wonderful books we have on display. There are so many to choose from, but here's one of my favorites, a book of African-American folklore by Virginia Hamilton: The People Could Fly.

Here's something else you might want to look at - a blog called The Brown Bookshelf is having a month-long series of interviews with 28 of the best African-American creators of children's literature.

And don't forget our Silicon Valley Reads program. This week's special program for a the whole family should be fantastic!

The Black History Show
Saturday, February 7 at 7 pm
Mitchell Park Community Center,
3700 Middlefield Rd.
African American dance, singing, and
spoken word. Fun for the entire family!

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for February 1-7)

2009-01-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone- Happy Friday!

We've got some great programs in the next week, coming to a Palo Alto library branch near you!

On Sunday, February 1st we'll have Yoga with Shyamoli at the Children's Library. This program is for kids ages 3-6 with an adult chaperone. The program is 2-2:45pm. Come have fun while you learn some new yoga positions!

On Saturday, February 7th at 2:30pm our monthly Saturday Showcase will take place at Mitchell Park Library. Come watch as Hazuki Katoaka practices the kamishibai (paper theater), using picture cards to illustrate her stories. This program is for all ages- bring the whole family!

In addition, we've got our weekly storytimes at the various library branches:

- Monday, 2/2- Toddler Storytime at Children's Library- 10 OR 11am

- Tuesday, 2/3- Preschool Storytime at Children's Library- 10am

- Tuesday, 2/3- Baby Storytime at College Terrace Library (the last day of this eight week session is February 27th)

- Friday, 2/6- Toddler (10am) & Preschool (11am) Storytimes at Mitchell Park Library

We hope to see you at one or more of these great events!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Grab some great readalongs!

2009-01-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know that we feature book & CD sets in our children's collection? These sets are great for helping kids learn how to read, since they can see the words in the book as they listen to the audio track on the CD. We also have several sets to help your child learn another language, such as Spanish, French, or Italian. We just received a bunch of great new readalongs, so come on in to Children's Library or Mitchell Park and check them out. Below I have highlighted a few of my favorites:

The Saggy Baggy Elephant, by Byron Jackson

When I was in preschool, I listened to this readalong non-stop in the car. Of course, my childhood version was a cassette, not a CD! But even all these years later, the story of the little elephant Sooki and his saggy, baggy grey skin still resonates as a wonderful tale of self-acceptance.

This readalong version of the Little Golden Book classic features clear, pleasant narration and Gustaf Tenggren's whimsical illustrations.

Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale, by Carmen Agra Deedy

The lovely, lush illustrations of this book are what initially drew me to it. It's evident that lots of care was put into crafting this retelling of the Cuban folktale. Apparently, the Odyssey award panel thought the same thing, because Martina was just named an Odyssey Honor Book for 2009. The Odyssey awards are given each year to audiobooks that show exemplary production values.

A Visit to Grandma, by Berlitz Kids

We have several titles in the Berlitz Kids "Adventures with Nicholas" collection. One of these titles is A Visit to Grandma, which we have available in three languages: Spanish, French and Italian. These books feature colorful illustrations and bilingual text (English and another language). If your child is interested in learning another language you might want to consider this series. They're a nice introduction to other languages, and the audio track helps to reinforce the language learning aspect.

And the winners are...

2009-01-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

The winners of the 2009 American Library Association (ALA) awards have been announced:

The winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal is author Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. Neil Gaiman is having a great start to 2009. In addition to winning the Newbery, the movie version of his 2002 book Coraline is being released in theaters on February 6th.

Some of you may have been fortunate enough to hear Mr. Gaiman read from The Graveyard Book when he was in Palo Alto a few months ago. Check it out to read the story of Nobody Owens, who is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard. Spooky!

We also have this book available in audiobook format.

The winner of the 2009 Caldecott Medal is illustrator Beth Krommes' The House in the Night, written by Susan Marie Swanson. Ms. Krommes has illustrated several other books, including Grandmother Winter and Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow.

The House in the Night features soothing black, white and yellow illustrations that depict the light that makes the house in the night a home filled with light.

In addition to the Newbery and Caldecott Medals each year, the ALA also awards several Newbery and Caldecott Honor Books and numerous other awards. Here's a link to the ALSC's (Association for Library Service to Children, a section of the ALA) complete list of 2009 winners: Award List. Check out some of these fantastic books today!

On the Edge of Our Seats!

2009-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Every January since 1922, the American Library Association announces 2 of the most prestigious awards given for children's literature. These are the Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Medal. The Caldecott was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator, Randolph Caldecott and is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller, John Newbery, and is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Both medals are given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. For weeks prior to the announcement, lovers of children's literature start speculating about who the winners will be. Every year I wager a little bet with myself but I have yet to guess the correct winners. If you're interested in learning more about these awards and how the voting process works go to http://www.ala.org/ and click away! The winners will be announced at a press conference on Monday January, 26 so check online sometime that day. Here are the 2008 winners:

First the Newbery

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Voices From a Medieval Village

By Laura Amy Schlitz

And the Caldecott

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

Program Fridays: For the Week of 1/17-1/24 + a bonus

2009-01-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

We have some exciting programs planned for all of you:

Chip Curry: Songster, Fiddler, Teller of Tales

Wednesday, January 21 at 3:30 pm at Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.

Come hear Chip play his fiddle and sing songs about love, dreams, and the good ole times!

Click here for an e-mail reminder about this program.

Paws to Read

Saturday, January 24 at 2:30-3:30 pm at Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.

Practice your reading skills by reading to a therapy dog at the library. First come, first served.

Click here to receive an e-mail reminder about this program.

My bonus program for you:
Annual Storytelling Festival

Sunday, January 25 at 1-5 pm at Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of traditional storytelling where tellers from all over the Bay Area drop by to share their tales. Come for some or all the afternoon.

Click here to receive an e-mail reminder about this program.

Getting Ready for the Big Day-- Inauguration

2009-01-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

An important day in our nation's history is coming up-- the inauguration of Barack Obama. I thought you'd might be interested in books surrounding the historic event:

Barack Obama by Stephen Feinstein
An elementary biography of United States senator from Illinois Barack Obama; discusses his childhood, ethnic background, family, and career in politics. For Grades 1-2. For older kids, you might want to check out Barack Obama: Working to Make a Difference. For Grades 2-3.

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes

When David asks his mother about the man on television, she tells him the story of Barack Obama, discussing his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, his parents' divorce, and his desire to help others.

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

When Grace discovers that there has never been a female U.S. president, she decides to run for school president. It has a simplistic explanation of the electoral college. A great book for Pre-1st graders.

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier

Discusses the presidential election process. For Pre-1st graders.

Also don't forget that Martin Luther King Jr. day is coming up. Here are some newer books about him:

...If you lived at the time of Martin Luther King by Ellen Levine

A different time...a different place...What if you were there? If you lived at the time of Martin Luther King, you would have seen important changes brought about by the civil rights movement.

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris

From Dr. Martin Luther King's sister, the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation.

As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March Toward Freedom by Richard Michelson

The story of two icons for social justice, how they formed a remarkable friendship and turned their personal experiences of discrimination into a message of love and equality for all.

Also please join us for Silicon Valley Reads 2009:

Brian Copeland, Bay Area broadcast personality and author of Not a Genuine Black Man, will appear on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 at the Palo Alto High School Haymarket Theater. Click here to find out more about other events in this program.

Manners and Responsibility

2009-01-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

It is important to teach kids about manners and responsibility when they are young. I came across some new picture books that discuss manners and responsibility for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners:

Being Responsible by Mary Small
Explains many different ways that children can be responsible and show responsibility. Part of the Way to Be series. Check out her other books, Being Fair, Being a Good Citizen, and Being Trustworthy.

Emily Post; Emily's Everyday Manners by Peggy Post and Cindy Post Senning
Emily and her friend Ethan demonstrate what manners to use every day.

Ryan Respects by Virginia Kroll
Ryan thinks it is funny to call the slowest runner in his class "Doug the Slug," until his older brother teases him for having a teddy bear. A great book for kindergartners.

Nobunny's Perfect by Anna Dewdney
Bunnies, who slurp their juice, forget to say "please," and bite their friends, learn about good manners.

Please is a Good Word to Say by Barbara Joose
Harriet gives examples of polite words and expressions to use in various social situations to make them more pleasant.

Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra
When B.B. Wolf, who now lives in the Villain Villa Retirement Residence, is invited to the library for a storybook tea, he is careful to follow the advice of his crocodile friend and impresses everyone with how polite he can be. This book is a crowd-pleaser and one of my favorite books on manners.

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Jan. 10 - 16)

2009-01-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

Kids' Yoga with Shyamoli

Take a break from your busy day and join us for a relaxing yoga class with your child. Shyamoli tells stories about the different poses as she instructs the children.

Date and Time: Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m
Location: Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.
Ages: For Ages 3 and up

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library.

Baby Storytime is now in session! Tuesdays at 11:00 am at the College Terrace Library. This week's storytime is the second in the 8-week session.

Toddler and Preschool Storytimes continue as usual. Look at the schedule here.

Check out all of our January programs by clicking on the calendar on the sidebar. don't forget the Children's Library Annual Storytelling Festival on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 1 - 5!

New Books for the New Year

2009-01-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for a good book to read? Here are some children's fiction titles on the Library's new book shelf that I recommend. Some are reviewed on our book review page and all of them are on my LibraryTh ing catalog.

Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor

In North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains, a troubled boy and his mother, a happy family seeking adventure, a man and his lonely daughter, and the widow who must sell the run-down motel that has been her home for decades, meet and are transformed by their shared experiences.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children's literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become "deserving orphans" after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.

The Penderwicks on Gardham Street by Jeanne Birdsall

The four Penderwick sisters are faced with the unimaginable prospect of their widowed father dating, and they hatch a plot to stop him. This is a sequel - and the first one is fantastic, too!

Steel Trapp by Ridley Pearson

On a two-day train trip to enter his invention in the National Science Competition in Washington, D.C., fourteen-year-old Steven "Steel" Trapp, possessor of a remarkable photographic memory, becomes embroiled in an international plot of kidnapping and bribery that may have links to terrorists.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

After unscrupulous collector S. Wendell Palamino cons him out of a valuable baseball card, sixth-grader Griffin Bing puts together a band of misfits to break into Palomino's heavily guarded store and steal the card back, planning to use the money to finance his father's failing invention, the SmartPick fruit picker

Fearless by Elvira Woodruff

In late seventeenth-century England, eleven-year-old Digory, forced to leave his hometown after his father is lost at sea, becomes an apprentice to the architect Henry Winstanley, who built a lighthouse on the treacherous Eddystone Reef -- the very rocks that sank Digory's grandfather's ship years before

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling

Of course- how could we not include this one?!

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales.

Reading to Babies

2009-01-05T09:00:00.001-08:00

Now that Baby Storytime is starting again, here are some ideas for reading to your baby. One of the blogs I read, The Well-Read Child, had a great list of tips for reading to babies a while back. Here is the link so you can read it yourself. I agree that board books are great for little ones who who don't yet have down the art of turning pages. I especially like:

Clap Hands

Helen Oxenbury is a marvel - her books for babies are among the best. Several are board books. Check them out!

Here are some of my favorite titles for you to handle or when your child is past the rough-on-books stage.

My First Mother Goose

Rosemary Wells' large, bright illustrations are a perfect match for these simple nursery rhymes. The rhythm and rhyme make Mother Goose a great choice for reading aloud to babies.

Vegetable Garden

Douglas Florian is another author with easy picture books for young ones.

Tom and Pippo See the Moon

This is one of a series of books by Helen Oxenbury about Tom and his toy monkey Pippo.

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Jan. 3 - 9)

2009-01-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!

Start off 2009 with a wonderful program of stories to spark the imagination. The first Saturday Showcase of the year, starring storyteller Joy Swift, will be tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 3 at 2:30 pm at the Mitchell Park Library. All ages are welcome, and the event is sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library.

Baby Storytime starts up again next Tuesday at 11 am for an 8-week session at the College Terrace Library. Babies ages 6 - 18 months and their parents or caregivers will listen to delightful songs and stories.

Later on this month, the Annual Children's Library Storytelling Festival returns for a whole afternoon of traditional storytelling by a variety of Bay Area tellers. Stop by for some treats and stories any time from 1 - 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Regular storytimes as usual this week.

Vacation Week #2

2008-12-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

One down and one to go! By now, the kids celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah are winding down from all the excitement and others are enjoying a (hopefully) restful and wonderful vacation from their usual activities, like school! Since we have been lucky enough to get some significant rainfall, the mountains have been covered by heaps of powdered snow....a skier's dream! If you and your family are heading to a winter wonderland, be sure to take along some wonderful books to read aloud, next to a roaring fire, each evening. I've listed some old favorites and some newer ones too. And, if you're ever in a pickle about what to read, please remember to check our website for the book reviews written by the staff in the children's department.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

Mr. Popper's Penguins

By Richard Atwater

Double Life of Zoe Flynn

By Janet Lee Carey

Dream Freedom

By Sonia Levitin

Funny Preschool Favorites

2008-12-22T13:32:00.001-08:00

One customer noticed that we haven't done any book reviews for the preschool set. So here are my favorite funny books for ages 2-4. We all need to have a little laugh before the holidays! Click on the titles to reserve any of these books.

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
For ages 2-4- When George's mother tells her son to bark, he meows. She patiently explains that "Cats go meow. Dogs go arf. Now, bark, George." But he quacks! Then oinks. Then moos. A funny story and a storytime pleaser!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
For ages 3-5- When Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter in the barn they start making demands, and go on strike when the farmer refuses to give them what they want. If you like this book, you might want to read her other stories-- Duck for President, Dooby Dooby Moo, Giggle, Giggle Quack & Diary of a Fly (also Spider, Worm).

Day Out with Daddy by Stephen Cook
For ages 3-5-- A young boy tells his own version of the day he spends with Daddy while Mommy is out of town, and Mommy vows never to miss all the "fun" again. This reminds me of spending time with my Dad while my Mom was working. A hilarious read! Dads should check this book out!

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
For ages 4-5- The wolf gives his own outlandish version of what really happened when he tangled with the three little pigs. A funny version of an old classic fairy tale. In the library world, we call these "Fractured Fairy Tales." Check out his others-- The Book that Jack Wrote and The Frog Prince, Continued.

Silly Sally by Audrey Wood

A rhyming story of Silly Sally, who makes many friends as she travels to town--backward and upside down. Sally will just make you laugh!

Please feel free to comment if you have any favorites for preschoolers. Have a wonderful holiday!

Program Friday has been pre-empted by Snowmen!

2008-12-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

Program Friday is going to be very short and sweet today. Storytimes at Children's Library will happen as regularly scheduled next week (Toddlers: Monday at 10 OR 11am, Preschoolers: Tuesday at 10am), but Mitchell Park's Friday storytimes will not occur since all Palo Alto City Libraries will be closed Wednesday 12/24 through Friday 12/26. To see a complete winter closing schedule, please click here.

And now, onto the snowmen! I thought that since so much snow is falling in the Sierras right now, and since some of you may be heading to the snow in the next week or two, I'd share my favorite snowman books with you. And even if you won't be traveling to the snow take a look at this cute site, where you can make your own virtual snowman!

All You Need for a Snowman, by Alice Schertle

What do you need to build a snowman? Lots of different items, according to the kids in this book. Through teamwork, they build a huge snowman and a friend for him too.

Barbara Lavalee (Mama, Do You Love Me) provides cute and colorful illustrations.

Martin MacGregor's Snowman, by Lisa Broadie Cook

Martin MacGregor loves to build snowmen, but the weather outside is warm and bright without a hint of snow! He tries to be patient, but finally decides he must find a way to make a snowman without snow.

This humorous book will resonate with families whose children sometimes just can't wait for the fun to begin.

Snowmen at Night, by Caralyn Buehner

What do snowmen do at night when we're sound asleep? They bowl, play baseball, have wild dance parties, and generally enjoy being snowmen. You'll love the beautiful illustrations and the silliness of this book, created by husband and wife Mark and Caralyn Buehner.

In the mood for baking?

2008-12-17T09:21:00.001-08:00

It's sometimes difficult to find simple recipes that the whole family can make together. Kids always want to help, or do it themselves!

Here are a few recipes that are very simple and require minimal adult supervision:

Chinese Cookies (a recipe from my grandmother)

6oz. butterscotch chips

6oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1c. peanuts

1c. chow mein noodles

Place butterscotch and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium power for two minutes. Stir, then microwave in one minute increments, stopping to stir each time, until the chips are melted and smooth.

Pour peanuts and chow mein noodles into the melted chip mixture and stir.

Drop teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets lined with waxed paper. Let sit to harden, or speed up the process by placing cookie sheets in the freezer for fifteen minutes.

Note: If someone has a peanut allergy, you can substitute another type of nut, sunflower seeds, etc.

Stained Glass Fudge (from the book Gifts to Make and Eat, by Elizabeth MacLeod)

1 1/2 lbs white chocolate, broken into pieces

1 (10oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/8 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups mini gumdrops (all colors except black)

1/2 tsp. vanilla

In a large microwavable bowl, combine the chocolate, milk and salt. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds, until the chocolate is melted. Stir in gumdrops and vanilla. Pour fudge into an 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm. It will keep for up to two weeks if kept covered in the fridge.

If you're looking for more recipes to make as a family, here are some books to try:

(click on the title to reserve)

Holiday Cooking Around the World

This beautifully illustrated book includes:

+ An introduction to food-based celebrations around the world

+ Basic cooking rules, utensils and terms

+ Metric Conversion tables

+ Two sample international menus

Desserts and Sweets from Around the World

This colorful cookbook includes:
+ A glossary full of cooking terms and their definitions
+ Recipes rated by level (easy, medium and difficult)
+ An introduction to ingredients and kitchen rules

Bake and Make Amazing Cookies

Part of the fantastic "Kids Can Do It Series, this book includes:

+ Recipes for:

- Holidays

- Special People

- Seasons

- Just for Fun

+ Colorful illustrations
+ Suggestions for packaging the baked goods

And the Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down, Down...

2008-12-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

Whenever there's a big storm or a lot of rain outside I always think of the Disney movie Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day. The scene where Pooh floats down the river with his top half stuck inside a honey pot is so funny! Today I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite rainy day books and movies. These make me feel warm and cozy, and make the time fly by. Enjoy! (to place a hold on any item just click on the title)

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: This DVD is one of my favorites. It includes all of Disney's Winnie the Pooh adventures, including Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day. I think that Sterling Holloway, as the voice of Winnie the Pooh, is one of the best voice actors ever.

The Mole Sisters and the Rainy Day: This tiny little picture book is so cute! The two mole sisters are concerned when their burrow develops a leak, but they convince themselves that the rain can't last forever. Or can it?

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Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing: Whenever I need a book to make me laugh on a cold day this is the one I choose. Judy Blume's first book about Peter, Fudge, and the rest of the Hatcher family is hilarious.

Also try: The Ultimate Indoor Games Book. It's filled with simple games and activities to keep the kids busy all day.

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for Dec. 13 - 19)

2008-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Library booksale is this weekend, Sat the 13th and Sun. the 14th at the Cubberley Community Center. See their website for times and exact location.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Magician Brian Scott returns to Children's Library at 3:30 pm to entertain children of all ages. Come see a great magic show! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library.

Game Day also returns to Children's Library on Fri., Dec. 19 at 2 pm. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to come for an afternoon of board games - bring your own or use the library's games.

Storytimes continue as usual.

Be sure to check here for the days the various libraries will be closed for the holidays.

Best Illustrated Books for Kids in 2008

2008-12-10T08:35:00.001-08:00

Watch a short slide show of the New York Times' picks for the best illustrated kids' books of the year. Here are a few that made the list. Click on the titles to reserve the books.

Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara

Tired of living in a haunted house, a young witch captures, washes, and turns her pesky ghosts into curtains and a tablecloth.

The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

A yellow leaf is not ready to fall from the tree when autumn comes, but finally, after finding another leaf still on the tree, the two let go together

Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein ; illustrations by Ed Young.

Wabi Sabi, a cat living in the city of Kyoto, learns about the Japanese concept of beauty through simplicity as she asks various animals she meets about the meaning of her name.

We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by artist Kadir Nelson.

The Peace Corps for Kids

2008-12-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

A new website shows kids what life is like in the Peace Corps. Visiting the fictional village of Wanzuzu, they will try to solve eight different challenges by coming up with sustainable solutions. During the course of their adventures they will work with fictional villagers and other volunteers to solve the critical issues that the village faces in areas such as disease, sanitation, contaminated soil, etc.

Maybe you have a future real Peace Corps volunteer in your family or school!

Take a look at the website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/kids/.

Thanks to the School Library Journal blog for this information.

Program Friday (Upcoming Programs for December 6-14)

2008-12-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!
Here's what's happening at the library in the coming week:

Tomorrow! Saturday, December 6th- Saturday Showcase at Mitchell Park Library with Storyteller Kristin Link (2:30pm): This program is for all ages. Come hear Kristin tell stories that will make you jump up and join in!

Sunday, December 7th- Kids Yoga with Shyamoli at Children's Library (2-2:45pm): This program is for kids ages 3-6 with an adult participant. Come relax with Shyamoli and hear her tell stories about the various yoga poses.

Storytimes at Children's and Mitchell Park: Toddler Storytimes (18mos-3yrs)- Mondays at Childrens, 10 OR 11am and Fridays at Mitchell Park, 10am. Preschool Storytimes (3-5yrs)- Tuesdays at Children's, 10am and Fridays at Mitchell Park, 11am.

Friends of the Library booksale at the Cubberley Community Center: Join the Friends for their monthly booksale, Saturday 12/13 and Sunday 12/14. See their website for times and exact location.

We hope to see you at some of these fun events- have a great week!