thursday july 30
As a new parent, I find myself in situations so foreign I might as well be the first human on Mars. The sheer volume of things we must do (baby swim class?) and not do (don't even get me started here...) is nearly incomprehensible.
In American Parent: My Strange and Surprising Adventures in Modern Babyland, author Sam Apple documents his own journey into parenthood.
Apple is full of questions, and no theory is left unexplored: Is the Lamaze Method a Stalinist Plot? (Yes). Are newborns really fetuses that are born too soon (Sort of.) Is there a universal theory that can explain the origins of circumcision in geographically diverse cultures? (Maybe.) Does it sting when you pour baby shampoo into your own eyes? (Big time!)
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monday june 01
I’m addicted to audiobooks! It started as a way to stay current and manage a long commute to my former employer, but now it’s just plain fun.
In addition to all the fun, studies show audiobooks are also great exercise to keep kids’ skills sharp during school breaks! Audiobooks improve reading ability, vocabulary and reading comprehension. And, audiobooks can be a fantastic way for you to fulfill requirements for summer reading lists from school!
If you’ve never tried an audiobook, summer is a great time to explore this wonderful way of enjoying a book. From classics like Charlotte’s Web to new bestsellers like The 39 Clues, the library has a great collection of audiobooks for kids. Some of my favorites are listed below- the links take you to the CD edition, but many of these titles are also available as a downloadables- don’t forget to stock up in advance of your summer road trips!
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tuesday may 26
Need suggestions for beach reading or books to bring to camp? Below are some of my favorite new titles, all published within the last year, that are ideal for the season. And don’t forget, the library’s summer reading program kicks off this weekend! Lots of great programs and prizes to be had all summer at every location.
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thursday april 16
There is a family of birds nesting on our neighbor’s windowsill. My husband spotted them first- a mamma bird who seemed permenantly parked in her nest each day as we went in and out of the house. But now there is a family birds, a family of early risers I might add, but that is another story…
The bird family is just one sign that spring has sprung and the library has recently added a great selection of bird books to our children’s collection. Check out these great new titles!
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wednesday march 25
It’s become a silly tag line at our house of late, but eerily accurate. The twins adore listening to CD’s and doing wiggly moves that must be the baby equivalent of dancing. I know I’m biased and all, but it’s seriously cute.
Researchers tell us the auditory system forms extremely early and the ear is actually the first sensory organ to develop brain connections. And from those first weeks in the womb an infant's ability to process sound and music only grows stronger. Researchers think the complexity of classical music is what primes the brain to solve spatial problems more quickly.
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wednesday march 18
If you’ve ever found yourself in the grocery store staring vacantly at the rows of baby foods, confused, mumbling words like "strained" and "pureed," then you've probably seen me there too, doing the exact same thing.
I had mastered diapers, bedtime and bottles; I thought my baby abilities were- well both fabulous and complete. Then the pediatrician told me I could start the twins on solid foods.
Solid foods? Oh my…
If you read my recent post on raising a green baby, you might have an idea where this is headed. My lovely, wonderful husband most definitely did- as soon as we were all safely strapped into the car he turned to me and said, “Promise me you won’t go crazy with this.”
Um, ok…
Eagerly, I reserved every book the library owns of feeding babies and making baby food. I used our wonderful databases to read articles on organic, processed and homemade baby food. I learned about preservatives, CSA’s, nitrates, and baby food mills.
I’ve listed my favorite resources below. And for those of you who are real gluttons for punishment- check out the photos of my first adventure in baby food preparation on the library’s facebook page!
Blender Baby Food by Nicole Young
Cooking for Baby by Lisa Barnes
Homemade Baby Food Pure & Simple by Constantina Linardakis
Top 100 baby purées by Annabel Karmel
Feeding Baby by Annabel Karmel
wednesday january 21
Spot is a yellow puppy with a brown spot on each side of his body and a brown tip on his tail. He is equal parts helpful and mischevious, and just happens to star in his own series of books, DVD’s, CD’s, and other merchandise.
There are various kinds of Spot books available, all by Eric Hill- from lift-the-flap books to read-along audio CD with book bundle, to touch and feel books. There are also a heathy dose of good old-fashioned picture books available. We’ve developed quite a crush on the lift-the-falp board book editions at my house, but all the Spot books are great choices for little ones.
Below is a sampling of what the library has to offer in the way of all things Spot, or click here for a complete listing.
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wednesday december 31
In a previous post, I wrote about the recent onslaught of fabulously funny picture books featuring peas. As we stand on the cusp on 2009, I am prepared to make a bold prediction: Wolves are the new peas!
Forget the big bad wolf from the Three Little Pigs, don’t even mention that meanie from Little Red Riding Hood. This new breed of wolves is kinder, gentler- and hilarious.
Check out these recent additions to our collection.
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monday december 15
December is a great month to receive book publications. EVERYONE has a best books list. I just can’t get enough. I argue with the list editors; I email the lists to friends and family; I get outraged at books left off the lists.
So, in the spirit of the season, here are my picks (in no particular order) for the Best Picture Books of 2008!
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tuesday december 09
We’ve developed quite a crush on Maisy at my house. Maisy is an adorable little mouse who stars in her own children’s book series created British book illustrator Lucy Cousins. (Maisy also has her own show on Nickelodeon’s Noggin)
Maisy is very much like a human toddler who goes on adventures and plays with her friends Charley the Crocodile, Tallulah the Baby Chicken, Cyril Squirrel, and Eddie Elephant. They guide little ones through everyday experiences such as making friends, riding tricycles, going swimming, playing in the garden, and reading books while reinforcing early learning concepts such as colors, numbers, and social themes.
The lift the flap board book format seem to be most popular at my house, but really all of her adventures are fabulous. I’m not sure if it is the brightly colored illustrations or think black outlines Cousins uses, but her illustrations mesmerize my kiddos.
Below are a few of the library’s collection of Maisy books. Happy Reading!
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thursday december 04
Christmas is just around the corner! The bad news is you have less than three weeks to wrap up your shopping. The good news is the library has added some fabulous Christmas titles to our children’s collection- and checking them out is free!
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tuesday december 02
People often say when a baby enters your life it creates an enormous number of unexpected changes. What they don’t mention is that along with the little one (or little ones in my case) comes a whole new category of stuff to fill every corner, closet, and available floor space in your home-- not only the obvious large items like furniture and diapers, but also a slew of items you never heard of before that are soon to be essential to daily life. Who knew my first floor could pass itself off as a Babies R' Us annex??
Add to it our attempt to green our lives and suddenly my husband and I were overwhelmed with articles on everything from cloth diapers to organic baby food and fair-trade clothing… Luckily I also stumbled onto a few great books with easy and economical things you can do to raise a green family
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tuesday august 12
In two posts last fall, found
here and
here, I detailed great reads for kids (or parents) facing the day they have dreamed of/dreaded all summer- the first day of school. As we once again approach the time of year when some dream of bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, let’s take a look at what’s new in the back to school genre.
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wednesday may 28
Terrific twosomes are popping up like crazy in children’s books. We’ve got identical twins, fraternal twins, boy twins, girl twins, boy girl twins and even a set of triplets! There are twin chickens, twin crime fighters, and even twins at summer camp. I suppose this trend mirrors the current rise in the birth rate of multiples, but it also seems to be a key ingredient for fun summer reading; check out the great reads below.
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friday march 28
Lolly Robinson has a great article in the March/April issue of The Horn Book Magazine about what makes a good alphabet book.
“Trying to figure out what makes a good alphabet book is like determining what makes a good meal for a child. It’s a matter of taste as well as developmental maturity. A baby might be partial to mashed peas, a toddler to plain pasta, and a six-year-old may prefer the textural complexity of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The child who is still learning to recognize and name letters doesn’t want to be overwhelmed, while one who has mastered this trick is looking for a little more action and maybe even a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there are alphabet books for every taste — hundreds, in fact, from the simplest name-the-letter books to those that present puzzles and challenges for older elementary-age children and even adults. Alphabet books stopped being just for pre- and beginning readers long ago.”
I couldn’t agree more! The diversity of high quality alphabet books is really amazing. You can read Lolly Robinson’s entire article here, but I thought her bibliography so good, I’ve detailed the titles she discusses here.
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monday march 17
Versions of The Princess and the Pea have long cornered the pea themed picture book market. But, a new surge in fun and humorous pea related fare addresses this oft-overlooked market, offering laugh out loud alternatives for those of us who have long known that the under utilized pea was truly a comic genius in disguise.
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monday march 03
Bust out the bunnies, chicks, and ducklings for their annual celebration of the return of spring! We have a wonderful collection of hippity-hoppity stories that remind us that Easter is on its way!
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monday january 14
The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults - including the Caldecott, King, Newbery, and Printz awards - at its Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.
The following is a list of all ALA Youth Media Awards for 2008:
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wednesday december 05
With Christmas right around the corner, you may be getting a bit tired of reading The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas for the 1,637,461st time. Fear not! There are tons of great Christmas titles out there (new and old!) to share with the young person in your life. Today, we’ll focus on new 2007 titles and next week we’ll revisit some golden oldies.
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tuesday november 06
Publisher’s Weekly has selected it’s choices for the Best Books of the Year 2007. The Children’s titles are wayyyyyy down at the bottom of the list. The categories are Children’s Picture Books, Children’s Fiction (which includes titles for teens), and Children’s Nonfiction.
I’ve listed their Children’s Picture Book and Children’s Nonfiction choices below and included a brief plot summary for each.
Children's Picture Books
At Night by Jonathan Bean is a beautifully illustrated, rhyming story about a girl's difficulty falling asleep in her urban house.
In Jon Agee's Nothing, shoppers vie to buy the latest "nothing" in this wry spin on The Emperor's New Clothes.
Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon is easily the best number oriented concept book of 2007. Personified numerals join hands with elaborately costumed characters in this inventive, visually dazzling interpretation of favorite nursery rhymes that feature numbers.
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wednesday october 17
The finalists for the 2007 National Book Awards in Young People’s Literature have been announced. What a great slate of candidates, including some of my absolute favorites for the year so far!
In his first book written for teens,
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Soon after the start of his freshman year, Junior leaves the troubled school on the reservation, boldly transferring to a school in a tiny town 22 miles away, where the only other Indian is the school mascot. It is a funny and poignant look at one adolescent’s attempt to break away and make his own future.
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thursday october 11
I received a copy of Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Cincinnati’s Mary Kay Carson a few weeks ago, and can not stop raving. It is fabulous- and just received its first starred review from Kirkus!
Emi and the Rhino Scientist follows Terri Roth, director of the
Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the
Cincinnati Zoo, in her worldwide effort to help the endangered Sumatran rhino avoid extinction. The book weaves the story of Emi and her baby Ipuh with information on the habitat and life cycle of this enormous and beautiful creature.
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friday october 05
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to stock up on these spooky (and not so spooky) titles for the little trick-or-treaters in your life!
New Titles
One of my favorite new seasonal books has to be How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin (2007) Author Margaret McNamara provides a lot of fun pumpkin science and even pumpkin math in this delightful story that reminds us that, "Small things can have a lot going on inside!"
Owl is back in Jonathan Allen’s I’m Not Scared (2007), the sweet and not so scary sequel to I’m Not Cute. Baby Owl, clutching his plush lovey, sets out for a walk in the woods declaring, “I am NOT scared!” Still, the woods are dark and deep and spooky. Can Owl conquer his fears?
Happy Halloween Stinky Face (2007)- It’s almost time for trick-or-treating, but first Stinky Face has a few questions for Mama. A reassuring tale from the author of Merry Christmas Stinky Face.
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friday september 28
September 29-October 6 libraries and booksellers across the country will celebrate Banned Books Week (BBW.) Now in it’s 27th year, BBW celebrates “the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them.”
In 2006, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received 546 challenges (formal, written complaints), a 30% increase over the previous year. They estimate the number of unreported challenges to be four or five times this amount.
How many banned books have you read? It’s probably more than you think! The most frequently challenged books of the past ten years include those titles we hear a lot about- The Color Purple and The Catcher in the Rye, but also some that might surprise you such as Martin Hansford’s Where’s Waldo, appearing at no. 88 on the list. Apparently quite a few people have spotted a topless sunbather on one of the spreads.
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saturday september 15
Now that Labor Day is behind us, thoughts drift to fall- back to school, leaves changing colors, crisp cool days I know it’s 90’ right now, but use your imagination…
Looking for some great books to get your kids to a fall frame of mind? Check out any of these great titles!
Lois Ehlert’s Nuts to You! (1993) follows a city squirrel as he prepares for winter. Pair it with her other fall favorite, Leaf Man (2005) which follows a leaf on his travels from a tree in fall.
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saturday september 08
It is safe to say, we are in the dog days of summer. I’ve lost count of the number of days it’s been over 90’. Why not sweat it out with some of these dog themed favorites?
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer is by far my favorite dog book. A lovable pup tries to bark, but all that comes out are other animals' sounds- he quacks, he oinks, he moos, until a trip to the vet unleashes the problem.
In Move Over Rover by Karen Beaumont, obliging Rover allows, first, Cat, and then a succession of other animals to seek shelter from a rainstorm in his doghouse. All is well until skunk arrives…
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wednesday august 29
Ellen Stoll Walsh’s Mouse books have always been among my favorite concept books for children. Her approach to teaching concepts such as colors and counting move beyond the typical education driven book, creating a wonderful story that also happens to reinforce learning concepts. The approach is always imaginative, with the simple, finely cut paper illustrations perfectly complimenting the mice's engaging adventures.
Walsh’s latest book, Mouse Shapes (2007) is no exception. A mischief of mice run from a cat and find themselves near a pile of colored shapes. The mice discover it is possible to employ the shapes, forming new creations: houses, trees, a sun. The designs become more and more intricate as the book progresses. When the cat threatens to pounce, the mice devise a cunning plan to use the shapes to scare him away.
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sunday august 26
Children’s book illustrator Bruce Wood, creator of such popular books as Alphabet Adventure (2001), Alphabet Mystery (2003), and Alphabet Rescue (2006) died last month at the young age of 34.
Wood is the son of author/illustrator team Audrey and Don Wood. As a child, he posed for his father as he created characters in several best-selling books, including Caldecott honor winner, King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub (2005).
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thursday august 23
Last week, New Line Cinema released two breath-taking trailers for the film adaptation of The Golden Compass, the first book in British author Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy.
Pullman creates a reality both like and unlike that which we know. Here, Earth is one of only five planets in the solar system, every human has a daemon (an animal familiar embodiment of their soul) and it takes place in a time similar to our late 19th century.
The overarching plot focuses on Oxford scholars in a race to unleash the power that will enable them to cross the bridge to a parallel universe. The trilogy features all the hallmarks of a great, epic myth. 11 year old Lyra Belacqua, an orphan brought up ignorant of her true identity, leaves her home in Jordan College at Oxford University for the frozen wastelands of the north on a quest to save kidnapped children, among them her friend Roger, and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel, from the evil “Gobblers,” who are using them as part of a sinister experiment.
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friday august 10
You’ve hit all the local office supply chains, big box stores, and the mall. You have pencils and backpacks, new shoes and maybe even a new haircut. Still not feeling ready to face the first day of school?
In a previous post, I discussed great books for kids (or parents) who are a bit nervous about the first day of school. But, there were too many great books to fit in just one post. Below are Great Books for the First Day of School, Part II.
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friday august 03
As summer begins to wind down, it’s nearly here, the event parents eagerly await and children dread: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Anticipation abounds as children and parents alike are greeted with mounds of immaculate school supplies, teachers to meet, and a host of new routines to master. Inevitably, all that change brings a flutter of nervousness to even the most brave-hearted students. A warm lap and a good book can do wonders to ease the worried mind.
Here to help is the first of two posts filled with great books to ease those first day jitters.
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wednesday july 18
Potty humor is big in the world of popular children’s literature—from best-sellers like Captain Underpants to Walter the Farting Dog, who now boasts a fabulous plush representation, complete with sound effects. Some are referring to the genre as “poop fiction.”
"You've got to give kids something they want to read," says Glenn Murray, co-author of the Walter the Farting Dog books, who firmly believes that his smelly, but well-meaning protagonist has become an ambassador for literacy.
It would seem that kids agree, since the genre's books regularly appear on children's best-seller lists.
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wednesday june 13
In a previous post, I discussed great picture books for Father’s Day. The bad news is there were so many fabulous picture books about dads of all kinds- they just couldn’t fit in one post. The good news is the overflow was perfect for Great Picture Books to Celebrate Father’s Day, Part II!
In The Best Father’s Day Present Ever, by Christine Loomis Langley Snail is worried about Father's Day. Besides, his friends have already snapped up the neat gifts, like the "Super-Duper-Golf-O-Matic-Home-Ball-Washer." Will Langley be able to find the perfect gift in time? This one has a great message that the best gifts are those from the heart.
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friday june 01
With Father’s Day just around the corner, we are awash in fabulous books celebrating tall dads, bald dads, loud dads, quiet dads, stay at home dads, suit and tie dads, and all dads in between! What better way for the entire family to celebrate than with a big pile of picture books?
Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli's first picture book, My Daddy and Me stars a flop-eared young pup who loves to spend time with dad. The two wrestle on the living room floor, make cookies, plant tomatoes, and work around the house. Plus, he’s never too tired to sing a lullaby at the end of a long, fun day.
An endearing read aloud. Building with Dad by Carol Nevius is summed up with this easy equation: Dads + Construction equipment = Fun!
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monday may 21
Newbery Medallist Lloyd Alexander, often credited as the father of children’s fantasy, passed away Friday morning at the age of 83 after a long illness.
Alexander began his groundbreaking Chronicles of Prydain series in 1964 with the publication of The Book of Three. The five-volume series details the adventures of Taran, who is awarded the honor of Assistant Pig Keeper, but dreams of being a hero. The series, loosely based on Welsh mythology, follows Taran’s coming of age. The first two books form the basis of the Disney animated film, The Black Cauldron. The concluding book of the series, The High King, was award the Newbery Medal in 1969.
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tuesday may 01
Have you started counting the days until the release of J.K. Rowling's much anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?
Is Snape good or evil? That's what fans will be discussing, beginning today, at Scholastic's website. In preparation for the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Scholastic, the book's US publisher, is posting a series of questions every fan wants answered. Or, debate your best theories on the Discussion Chamber Message Boards. The first question-- Who will live? and Who will die? -- generated 100,000 votes! As of this morning, 93% of fans believe Harry will live, 24% believe Voldemort will die. Scholastic is planning to release a new question (7 total) every two weeks.
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friday april 27
Have you read Goodnight Moon to your child more times than you can count? In addition to the traditional hardback, the library offers audio, dvd, boardbook, and even braille editions. Ever feel like hiding your copy just to get a night off? Written by Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952) in 1947, Goodnight Moon is a classic, a perennial favorite-- but that doesn't mean it can't get old. Why not give one of these bedtime alternatives a try?
friday april 13
Several of my friends currently find themselves “in the trenches” of potty training. It’s been interesting (and at times entertaining!) to see them try everything from potty bootcamp to bribery to positive reinforcement.
Potty training is a huge milestone for children and a topic of debate and uncertainty among parents. Luckily, the library has a wide range of materials to meet the needs of parents and children on the cusp of this developmental milestone.
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wednesday april 11
National Poetry Month (NPM) is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the
Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. NPM brings together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.
The library is no exception! April is packed with poetry events for teens and adults. And we’ve got several new poetry books perfect for youngest poets in your family.
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thursday april 05
April is National Gardening Month- the perfect time to plan and dream and let your inner gardener run wild.
This year’s theme is GROW: When you Garden, You Grow. And, the campaign has great resources for kids. Studies show the impact of gardening on children’s health and well-being, their attitudes towards learning and the environment, and their connections to community. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family.
Considering giving
family gardening a go? It might be fun to start with a visit to the
Cincinnati Flower Show at Coney Island April 21-29,
Zoo Blooms presented by the
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens April 6-29, or with some great resources from our collection.
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