Book Review: The World’s Greatest Elephant

17 May
mgross

Monthly Book Reviews

The World’s Greatest Elephant by Ralph Helfer
From Miss Jennie at Ontario Branch

This is one of my favorite non-fiction books.  It is a touching story, beautifully illustrated, of a boy and an elephant and an amazing friendship that lasted a lifetime.  In a little town in Germany many years ago, a boy and an elephant were born on the same day, in the same hour.  The father, an animal trainer in a small circus, named them both and hoped that they would always be together.

The World’s Greatest Elephant

As the boy, Bram, and the elephant, Modoc, grew, they developed a bond of friendship like none other. Bram promised his friend that they would never be separated, no matter what happened.  Little did he know how difficult it would be to keep this promise.  The friends faced many incredible adventures as they tried to stay together.  The death of Bram’s father, shipwrecks, work camps, jail and fire could not keep Bram and Modoc apart.  It was only when the circus owner secretly sold Modoc, that they actually became separated.  Many years passed as Bram searched for his friend. Then one day, Bram, an old man now, happened upon a rancher who trained animals for motion pictures.  It was there that he and Modoc were finally reunited, spending the rest of their days together.

Here at the library, we have The World’s Greatest Elephant as well as a more in-depth, grown-up read, Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived, also by Ralph Helfer.

More From the Web

  • Find author and animal trainer/behaviorist Ralph Helfer on Facebook!
  • Check out San Diego Zoo’s elephant page!
  • For more information about elephants, take a look at free downloadable curriculum from The Elephant Sanctuary. (Note: Adobe Reader is required for these documents.)
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Ready for Children’s Book Week?

14 May
crivers

Spotlight

We don’t really need an official day or week or month to celebrate books, because around here, we LOVE books! 

This week is Children’s Book Week, so we’ve come up with some great ideas for you and your family to come together and share children’s books-whether they are new, old, or somewhere in between:

  • Take turns picking favorite bedtime stories to read to each other, a new one every night.
  • Look at the past years’ Newbery and Caldecott award books and pick one you haven’t read before (the winners usually get lots of acclaim, but the honor books are really great, too!).
  • Pick a day to dress up as your favorite book characters and act out stories.
  • Read in unusual places or ways like outside on a blanket, at the park, at the grocery store, on the bus, or to your dog. Take a picture and share it with your family and friends!
  • Pick a favorite story to use as a theme for a meal.  For example, read the classic Pancakes, Pancakes! by favorite author/illustrator Eric Carle or the newer Tyler Makes Pancakes! by star chef Tyler Florence, then make pancakes for your family.
  • Read a book by an Australian children’s author like Mem Fox, Jackie French, or Graeme Base.  Did you know that the Burnside Library in Adelaide, South Australia is our sister library?  Join our sister library Facebook page and help us choose which book to read in our One Book-Two Continents Program to be held later this summer.

Children's Book Week 2013

More From the Web

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Story Time Starter — Five Senses

09 May
mgross

Story Time Starter

When it comes to early literacy and learning, we think of colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and… our five senses!  Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling all help young ones learn about the world around them.  And it makes a great hands-on story time!

Here at the library, we have plenty of books relating to the five senses!  First, try a story about a little one who uses his senses as he follows his family during a busy day in Bear’s Busy Family by Stella Blackstone.  Another great picture book about using the five senses to explore the world is Five for a Little One by Chris Raschka.  If you are looking for a great fact-based title, try My Five Senses by Aliki or The Five Senses by Adele Ciboul.

And that’s not all! Look at these titles we have to offer!

Five Senses Collage

Five Senses Book List (Word Document/.doc file)

Many rhymes incorporate the five senses.  Here are a just a few of our favorites!

Use Your Eyes
(Can be sung to Frère Jacques)
Use your eyes, use your eyes.
You can look and see.
If you’re wearing socks
Point them out to me.
(Repeat with shoes, pants/skirt, shirt)

Did You Ever Hear…?
Did you ever hear a bell ring,
a bell ring, a bell ring?
Did you ever hear a bell ring?
Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding.
Did you ever hear the wind blow,
The wind blow, the wind blow?
Did you ever hear the wind blow?
Whooo, whooo, whooo, whooo, whooo.
Did you ever hear a clock tick,
A clock tick, a clock tick?
Did you ever hear a clock tick?
Tick, tock, tick, tick, tock, tick.
Did you ever hear a train whistle,
A train whistle, a train whistle?
Did you ever hear a train whistle?
Choo, choo, choo, choo, choo.

I Use My Five Senses
(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)
Author Unknown
I use my eyes to see, I use my eyes to see,
And when I want to see a star, I use my eyes to see.
I use my nose to smell, I use my nose to smell,
And when I want to smell a flower, I use my nose to smell.
I use my tongue to taste, I use my tongue to taste,
And when I want to taste a peach, I use my tongue to taste.
I use my ears to hear, I use my ears to hear,
And when I want to hear a bird, I use my ears to hear.
I use my hands to touch, I use my hands to touch,
And when I want to touch a cat, I use my hands to touch.

You can add some cool tunes to your story time with these music selections!

How about some activities to teach little ones about their five senses?  Fun With My 5 Senses: Activities to Build Learning Readiness by Sarah A. Williamson contains many activities focusing on the five senses and learning readiness.  Sensory boxes are a fun option for trying out the sense of touch.  Or try some sensory activity worksheets to familiarize your child with the world around them.  Little Giraffes offers several five senses teaching theme ideas.  If that’s not enough to choose from, Twiggle Magazine has even more activities to try!

Finally, here are some great craft ideas to wrap up your five senses story time!

  • Five Senses Magazine Activity
  • Preschool Five Senses Arts and Crafts
  • Texture Flip Books
    Provide materials such as cotton balls, sandpaper, plastic wrap, leaves, yarn, silk fabric and Velcro. Give each child a stack of half sheets of construction paper. Help the children glue or staple a different textured item onto each piece of paper. Have the children describe how each item feels and write their words on the page next to the item. Punch holes in the top or sides of the paper sheets and tie them together with strips of yarn to create a flip book. Ask the children to find different textures in their books and have them show you which item they turned to.

Enjoy!

Posted in Book Lists, Children's Authors, Crafts, Feature Article, Featured Books, Fingerplays/Songs, Music, Nonfiction, Story Times, Storytime Starter, Web Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Caught Reading in May

06 May
crivers

Featured Article

With the school year winding down and the weather warming up, we’ve got lots of reasons to love the month of May.  A great reason, though, to celebrate this month is that it’s Get Caught Reading Month!  This could be just the excuse you need to pick up a book and plop down somewhere comfy and start reading.

We certainly do love reading, but one of the things we’re most excited about around here is that we’re gearing up for our Summer Library Program.  We begin in June (so we have a month yet to go), but we had a kickoff last Saturday with Trucks, Trucks, and More Trucks & Community Helpers.  This year our theme is “Dig into Reading,” so we had all sorts of big machines and trucks out in the parking lot and some awesome community helpers in the second floor lobby.  We rounded out the event with crafts, a scavenger hunt, and of course, lots and lots of books.  Check out these great truck books and activities.

We are also pleased to offer Scholastic’s Bookflix to our customers to use either in the library or at home with a valid library card.  Getting caught reading just got a whole lot more fun for you and your kids! You can access Bookflix on your computer or tablet.  Bookflix is best suited for children ages 3-9, and offers fictional video storybooks that are paired with nonfiction eBooks.  You can have the story read to you or can choose to read along with it.  There are also pairs of books in Spanish, and included are games, activities, and other teacher and parent resources.

Use whatever excuse you need, but go get caught reading during the month of May!

More From the Web

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Book Review: Lulu and the Brontosaurus

30 Apr
crivers

Story Time Starter

Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Lane Smith
From Miss Terry at Main

Lulu, a small girl who is a giant pain, is used to getting whatever she wants and lots of it. When her parents tell her no, that she may not have a Brontosaurus for a birthday gift, Lulu tells her parents “Foo on you!” and sets out on her own to find one. When the tables are turned, Lulu almost becomes what she set out to find…a pet!

lulu and the brontosaurus

Lulu’s story is full of danger and adventure with quite a few laughs. She learns some valuable lessons and makes a few friends along the way. A cautionary tale for demanding children and their parents, this story is a perfect book for an adult and a child to share together. Lulu and the Brontosaurus is recommended for school age children.

This would pair perfectly with a couple of picture books from our collection that talk about wanting impossible pets:

Want more Lulu?  Check out the next great adventure, Lulu Walks the Dog, by Judith Viorst and Lane Smith.

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Crafting With Kids — Grass Heads

25 Apr
mgross

Crafting with Kids

This month’s craft from Miss Melanie will get everyone in the mood for spring! Grass grows in everyone’s yard but did you know you can also grow it inside? But why would you want to? Because you can turn it into your very own Grass Head!

Spring 2013 266

Using supplies from around the house and some grass seed, you can easily start your own Grass Head.

What you need:

  • An old pair of pantyhose (Miss Melanie used knee-highs)
  • Grass seed
  • Sawdust or potting mix (Miss Melanie used potting soil)
  • A small plastic container to put the grass head in

To make your grass head, cut several inches off the toe end of the pantyhose. This will be the head of your grass head. Put a couple teaspoons (or more) of grass seed in the toe and add plenty of sawdust or potting soil on top. Pack the soil down and tie a knot in the open end of the pantyhose. You will want to leave about an inch beyond the knot–if you have more, trim it.

Spring 2013 232

You can also decorate your grass head with beads, buttons, and felt. Miss Melanie used pins to attach buttons, felt, and large sequins to her grass head to make a face. Place your grass head in the empty plastic container with the knot in the bottom. Fill the container with plenty of water and place it on a sunny windowsill or somewhere it will get a lot of sunlight.

Spring 2013 230

Now the hardest part–waiting for the grass to grow! It will take several days but little green shoots should start sprouting out the top of the grass head. Be sure to check the water content every day and keep your grass head really moist so it will grow.

Growing Grass Head Collage edit

Once your grass head grows a fine head of hair, you can play barber and give it a trim! Don’t worry if you cut it too short though–it will always grow back.

Check out some of the other grass heads made during Miss Melanie’s Grass Heads program!

Grass Heads Collage

Here’s an alternative to this project using an eggshell. Or try a super simple project option for preschoolers.

Happy crafting!

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National Kindergarten Day

21 Apr
crivers

Spotlight

Sunday, April 21st is National Kindergarten Day.  Here at the library we love educating and entertaining young minds in order to prepare them for school.  In addition to story times, we also have early literacy resources and tips that will help you, as parents, get your child ready for kindergarten.

Some of the basic activities you can do at home or anywhere you go include reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing.  This is part of the Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library (ECRR) initiative sponsored by PLA, the Public Library Association (a division of the American Library Association) and ALSC, the Association for Library Services to Children.  Other than being a mouthful, what exactly does this mean?

Basically, you as a parent have the opportunity and the responsibility to be your child’s first teacher.  Here are some practical ways you can prepare your child to be a better learner:

  • Read daily to your child.  Ask questions about the stories you read and have your child retell the story.  Visit the library (we love that suggestion!) and let your child select her own books.
  • Talk with your child about what is happening each day.  Talk about your routine as you are doing it.  Allow your child to talk to you as well, and ask follow-up questions.  Give words to things and ideas you come across and add more detail to what your child says.
  • Sing nursery rhymes and silly songs together.  Sing the alphabet song to help your child become familiar with letter names.  Clap along to the rhythm in songs to help him hear the separate syllables in each word.
  • Write things down and let your child pretend to read them.  Encourage writing with a variety of of crayons, pencils, pens, and markers.  Point out print all around you and spell out the letters as you see them.
  • Play is one of the best avenues for children to learn.  Pretending to do the things they see mommy or daddy do helps them express themselves and put thoughts into words.  When you encourage play, you are helping your children learn important things like how to share, how to take turns, and how to solve problems.

Most area schools either have already had or will soon be having their own kindergarten registration.  Your child will most likely be evaluated to see how ready he or she is to start school in the fall.  If you notice that your child is slightly behind, there are lots of things you can do over the next few months to give her a jump start.  One of the best things you can do is to join our Summer Library Program, which runs through June and July.  You can also focus on basics like shapes, colors, the alphabet, and writing and drawing.

kindergarten collage

More Resources

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National Library Week

15 Apr
crivers

Featured Article

April 14-20 is National Library Week! 

That’s great for you, but for us, every month is Library Month, every week is Library Week and every day is Library Day!  We don’t typically do things much differently around here because we always love helping people find books and information, read books in story time, and offer movies and music for your entertainment — and we do that every day — so this week is business as usual.

If you need additional reasons why you should come to the library (apart from the most obvious ones), then read on.  You may find some great new reasons to come to the library this week and see what we have to offer.

  • Did you know that the library offers computer classes?  We’ve got classes including basics like help with word processing and spreadsheets, tips on staying safe online, and information about eReaders.  We also offer individualized help in the computer lab at the Main Library, which is open whenever the library is open.
  • Job searching and resume preparation have never been easier.  We’ve got resources galore for helping adults and youth gain employment.
  • In addition to programs and story time for young children, the library also offers programs for adults and teens.  Each branch location has their own schedule, but you can check out all the goings-on in our newsletter, At The Library, which is published quarterly.
  • The library has a conference room and a community room that the public is welcome to use.  For free!  All you have to do is check our community calendar for availability, then call 419-521-3100 to reserve a room.
  • Cub Scout packs and Girl Scout troops love coming to the library for a quick tour, which can include the Sherman Room and a focus on local history.  We can also show you how to use the microfilm machine and your scouts can find out what happened in Mansfield on any certain day using the newspaper archive and index.
  • We offer a huge selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks that you can check out from home!  All you need to do is get your device ready and follow the directions we’ve outlined for you.  If you need one-on-one help, the computer lab staff are only a call or visit away.  We also subscribe to BookFlix, an online literary resource for children in preschool through third grade and their parents that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks to build a love of reading and learning.  This is something you can access at home with a valid library card and your children can enjoy books just right for them on their computer or tablet.
  • Do you ever wonder what you as a parent can do to make sure your child is successful in school?  The library has numerous resources available to help with early literacy and kindergarten readiness.  We can also recommend books to help struggling readers improve their skills.
  • We don’t carry every single book ever published, but if we don’t have a book you want, chances are that we can get it from another library for free.  We are linked with SearchOhio, a consortium of other Ohio libraries, that allow their items to be checked out at other libraries.  We also have the capability of connecting with many of the state’s public and private universities and technical colleges through OhioLink.

Thanks for stopping by.  We hope you have found lots of reasons to visit the library during National Library Week — not that you ever even need a reason to come see what’s new!

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Book Review: The Black Rabbit

10 Apr
mgross

Monthly Book Reviews

The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers
From Miss Terry at Main Library

Rabbit steps out of his home into a beautiful sunny morning only to find a big black rabbit that follows him everywhere he goes. No matter what Rabbit tries, running, hiding, even swimming, he cannot seem to escape the big black rabbit! Finally, he runs into the deep dark woods where he seems to be safe only to find trouble of another kind. As he waits for the worst to happen, Rabbit finds that some troubles aren’t nearly as bad as you think.

The Black Rabbit'
This fun picture book uses a simple science concept to take a look at being afraid.

You can find The Black Rabbit in our catalog. If you are looking for a book about being afraid, we also have Let’s Talk About Being Afraid by Anna Kreiner. Or check out Follow It! Learn About Shadows by Pamela Hall.

More From the Web

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Story Time Starter — Moose

06 Apr
crivers

Story Time Starter

Spring is finally on its way, so what better topic for story time than . . . moose?  OK, well, maybe there are things better suited to spring (like cute baby animals, gardens, rain, or mud), but we’ve got some terrific moose books to share and we couldn’t wait for a better time!

Taking a look at some of our picture books, we of course have to include If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff.  Moosestache by Margie Palatini is another must (don’t forget the Christmas title Mooseltoe or the family-reunion-favorite Moosekitos).  From there, let’s not forget that Dr. Seuss character Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose.  Even though it’s a bit long, you may find that your kids will sit still for this classic story.

Some of our newer titles include the animal alphabet book Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham; Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn’t Fit by Catherine Rayner about an oversized moose just trying to fit in; and This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers, which shows that moose may not be the ideal pet.

Take a look at all the moose books we have to offer!

moose collage

Moose Books Booklist (Word Document/.doc file)

Next, we’ve got some rhymes and fingerplays to fill in the gaps.

This Little Moose
This little moose went to market
This little moose stayed home.
This little moose had grass and twigs.
This little moose had none.
And this little moose went trot, trot, trot,
All the way home.

Mr. Moose
Mr. Moose is very tall (put hands to head for antlers)
His antlers touch the sky (hands high up in the air)
They make a real good resting place (put hands out to sides)
For birdies passing by (flap arms like wings)

Ten Big Muffins
Ten big muffins on the window sill.
Moose came along and ate his fill.
Now how many muffins are on the window sill?

_____ big muffins are on the window sill.
Moose came along and ate his fill.
Now how many muffins are on the window sill?

(Continue)

_____ big muffin(s) on the window sill.
Moose came along and ate his fill.
Now no more muffins are on the window sill.

(This would make a great flannel with decorated muffins that you take down one at a time.)

Don’t forget the music — we’ve got some awesome tunes to give you something to sing about.

Last, we’ve got some fantastic crafts and coloring pages just right to finish your story time.

Enjoy the spring weather and watch out for moose (at least during story time!).

Posted in Book Lists, Children's Authors, Crafts, Feature Article, Featured Books, Fingerplays/Songs, Storytime Starter | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment