From Tots to Tweens at Arlington Public Library Virginia

Tots to Tweens Blog is Taking a Break

2011-05-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

We won't be posting on this blog for the next few months.

As we gear up for another spectacular summer reading program, we will be focusing all of our attention and energy on providing the best service we can and encouraging the joy of reading for the kids in your life. We hope to see you often over the summer.

But you can keep up with all the news about tots, tweens, and everyone in between on the Library's News blog and also over on Kids Corner. Thanks for reading!

SOL Help for Kids and Parents

2011-05-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

Photo by Microsoft Office Online

If your child needs some help preparing for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, we have a few resources to offer. You can find information about test dates here.

Kaplan Parent's Guide to the Virginia SOL: Tests for Grade 3 by Cynthia and Drew Johnson is useful for preparing your child for taking the tests for the first time.

More useful are the released tests from the Virginia Department of Education. These released tests cover all subjects and grades tested. The most recent practice test is from last spring. Your child can practice previous tests in a relaxed environment and gain confidence.

If you have an Arlington Public Library card, you can access the Learning Express Library via our test prep research portal and set up a free account. There are reading and math practice tests for 4th and 5th graders, as well as for middle and high school students, and beyond. These aren't the SOL tests, but are good practice nonetheless.

Teachers and administrators say that it is most important that kids don't stress over these tests, that they get a good night's sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast as the best strategy for test-taking success.

Children's Choice Book Awards: Winners Announced

2011-05-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

The winners of the 4th annual Children's Book Choice Awards were just announced.

As part of Children's Book Week, over 500,000 children across the country voted for their favorite book, author, and illustrator.

In what should be no surprise to parents of middle grade through middle school readers, Rick Riordan was voted Author of the Year for The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, Book 1).

David Wiesner was awarded Illustrator of the Year for his wonderful picture book, Art & Max.

Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby was the winning book of the year for K-2nd graders.

Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka won honors as the best book of the year for 3rd-4th graders.

The 5th-6th grade Book of the Year is The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1) by Rick Riordan.

For other reading suggestions, here's the complete list of the 2011 Children's Book Choice Award finalists. Remember, these are all kid-approved books!

10 Civil War Books for Kids

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

With the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War at hand, we'd like to share some books for young readers interested in historical fiction.

K-Grade 2
Dadblamed Union Army Cow by Susan Fletcher, with illustrations Kimberly Root, is based on the true story of a persistent cow who followed her Union owner into the army and right into battle.

Virgie Goes to School With Us Boys by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, illustrated by E.B.Lewis, is set just after the war ends. The story, based on the author's family history, tells of a little girl who wants to attend school with her brothers to learn all the things denied them while they were slaves.

Billy and the Rebel: Based on a True Civil War Story by Deborah Hopkinson with illustrations by Brian Floca is an early reader based on the true account of a real boy who defended his family farm near Gettysburg against Rebel soldiers seeking a deserter, and an unlikely friendship that unfolds.
From Slavery to Soldier: Based on a True Civil War Story, also by Hopkinson and Floca, is another early reader inspired by real events and tells of a young slave who joins the Union Army.

Grades 2-4
Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War by Pat Hughes. Izzy's brothers are off in the war and he wants to "see the elephant", too--that's soldier speak for seeing action in battle for the first time. Things don't work out exactly like Izzy thought, but he ends up learning a lot about war.
Alec's Primer by Mildred Pitts Walter is based on the true story of a young Virginia slave who grows up to fight for the Union and ultimately becomes a landowner in Vermont. His journey begins when a young girl starts teaching him to read.

Grades 4-7
Freedom Stone by Jeffrey Kluger is the story of a young slave girl named Lillie whose father tries to earn the family's freedom by joining the Confederate army. After he is killed in battle and unfairly accused of stealing to deny his family's promised freedom, Lillie must clear his name.
All Their Names Were Courage by Sharon Phillips Denslow. This is a great story for kids who love animals. William Burd, while fighting in the war, is exchanging letters with his young sister Sallie who is also busy writing to Union and Confederate generals asking all about their horses for a book she wants to write.
The Mostly True Story of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick is filled with the rollicking adventures of one Homer P. Figg, a 12-year-old boy searching for his brother who has been illegally sold into the Union Army. By turns uproariously funny and deeply poignant, this book brings the era alive for young readers. The audiobook is wonderful, too.
Iron Thunder: The Battle Between the Monitor and the Merrimac, A Civil War Novel by Avi. Illustrated with maps, drawings, and period photos, Avi brings to life the battle of the two "ironclads" from the perspective of Tom Carroll, a 13-year-old boy who lost his father in the war and has taken a job at the ironworks in Brooklyn where an amazing ship of iron is being built.

Take a look at What'sNext for more suggestions - it also includes a great Historical Fiction reading list, broken down by time periods for kids from Grade 1-6.

Then check them out!

Día! Many Children, Many Cultures, Many Books

2011-04-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

April 30, 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), also known as Día.

Why is Día so important?
Día supports literacy through assisting parents who are learning English and encouraging parents to inspire their children to read by reading to them regularly at home.

Books bring families together, and reading daily to your child for at least twenty minutes can become a family tradition. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

Arlington Public Library wants to help!

We maintain a robust English/Spanish bilingual children's collection, a small part of which is highlighted in our Bilingual booklist for elementary-age children.
We also offer Cuentos para Niños family storytimes.
And in collaboration with AVN, Mariela Aguilar, one of our talented children's librarians, has long been involved with the innovative bilingual program, Cuentos y Más, which you can watch for free!

And take a look at this excellent information sheet from the Día website, which includes helpful hints in English and Spanish about reading with your children, as well as more book suggestions.

So read together and tell your stories. Bring your children to the library. Make it a family tradition!

Hot Tip: Storytimes Are Not Just for Children

2011-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes wonder why the children's librarian asks parents and caregivers to participate fully with their child in storytime? It's not just to see grownups do silly things.

When you participate fully, you can extend the storytime experience with your child after you leave the library.

By learning the songs and rhymes, you can help your child enjoy these activities and successfully learn them. Next time you go to storytime, your child will be able to say "I know that song!"
You can also reinforce "narrative skills", an important component of early literacy. Have your child retell a story, song, or rhyme that was presented during storytime in his or her own words. These activities help your child learn about story structure (beginning, middle and end) and learn to organize what they have observed.
Your participation models appropriate group behavior for your child--how to interact with other participants, how to be a good listener, how to participate, and how to respond when called upon. These skills are part of kindergarten readiness.
As your child's primary role model, your full participation in storytime signals the value you place on it. A parent or caregiver who acts interested by participating in the program shows your child that this activity is important. In turn, the activity will be more important to your child.

To get the most out of storytime, participate fully with your child. You'll support important learning skills and have a good time acting a bit silly.

Children's Choice Book Awards - Vote Now!

2011-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Children's Choice Book Award is the only national award program where children and teens of all ages select the winning titles - and it's happening right now!

Kids in K-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th grades, and up through teens can cast votes through April 29, for their favorite books, authors, and illustrators from a list of finalists. Their votes really do count!

The winners will be announced on May 2, at the start of Children's Book Week, a national celebration of books and reading for youth, began in 1919 with the idea that books can change lives. This year the festivities run from May 2 - May 8.

The list of this year's finalists, as well as past winners, is also a place to get ideas for books your kids may not yet have read. And remember, these are kid-approved. Chances are your kids will enjoy them, too.

Shakespeare for Kids

2011-04-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy 447th Birthday to William Shakespeare! We have lots of great books and a few websites to help you introduce The Bard to your children.

Preschool to Grade 2
Will's Quills: Or, How A Goose Saved Shakespeare by Don Freeman tells the story of Willoughby Waddles, a goose with a penchant for doing good and a young playwright in need of a pen.

Grades 3-6
William Shakespeare & the Globe by Aliki brings Shakespeare's world alive and also chronicles the fascinating reconstruction of the Globe Theatre in honor of the 400th anniversary.

Bravo, Mr.William Shakespeare! by Marcia Williams uses a full-page comics style to present seven Shakespeare plays. It's a follow-up to the popular Tales From Shakespeare, which featured Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, among others.

William Shakespeare's Macbeth adapted by Bruce Coville deftly weaves familiar quotations with the author's own prose to present the story for the youngest readers and listeners. Coville also adapted A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.

Grades 5-8 (Fiction)
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood is the first book in a trilogy about Widge, a young orphan with a unique ability to write in coded shorthand. He is ordered by his harsh master to use that skill to steal Hamlet, the new play by the young Shakespeare. When Widge works his way into the Globe Theatre and is embraced by the other players, he must decide if he will betray his new friends or risk the wrath of his master. The adventures continue in Shakespeare's Scribe and Shakespeare's Spy.

Finally, a couple of good websites for extending the Shakespearean experience. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers mazes, crosswords, coloring pages, word searches, and puzzles all about Shakespeare just for kids. And the aptly named Shakespeare for Children includes links to free texts, Shakespeare printables, kid-friendly facts, and much more.

Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

2011-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Earth Day 2011 has a theme of "a billion acts of green", which sounds like a wonderful way to honor the small choices and contributions we can all make in our day to day lives.

Children can learn about the first Earth Day, as well as ideas for crafts, games, coloring pages, poems and more to celebrate our beautiful planet. Time for Kids offers some fun activities, also.

Of course, we have a few books suggestions--please stop by the library for more ideas. And after you've picked up your books, take your kids to Gulf Branch or Long Branch Nature Center, plant a garden, or make a rain barrel!

PreK-2
Ok Go by Carin Berger
Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day by Jane O'Connor
Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants!: Gilbert Goes Green by Diane deGroat
Dinosaur Woods : Can Seven Clever Critters Save Their Forest Home? by George McClements. Franklin Plants a Tree by Paulette Bourgeois

Grades 2-4
Mallory Goes Green by Laurie B. Friedman
Judy Moody Saves the Planet by Megan McDonald
Night of the Spadefoot Toads by Bill Harley

Grades 4-7
Who Really Killed Cock Robin: An Ecological Mystery by Jean Craighead George
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Waterman's Boy by Susan Sharp

And here's a great book to get the whole family contributing to those billion acts of green:
True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin

Hot Tip: Your Kids Don't Have to Read Every Series in Order

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of our colleagues, who is also the mother of a 6 year-old, recently mentioned that she felt liberated when we told her that all those beginning series kids love to read - The Magic Tree House, Pony Pals, The Boxcar Children, Cam Jansen, etc. - don't necessarily have to be read in order.

These kinds of series don't really build on previous books - unlike the Percy Jackson or Harry Potter books, which obviously should be read in order.

Of course, there are children who will insist on reading every series sequentially*. But in general, after you've read the first Magic Tree House book, you know that in every subsequent book Jack and Annie are going to climb up into that tree house, it's going to spin madly around, and they will end up in the midst of an exciting adventure in another time and/or space. The consistency and redundancy of these books are comforting to newly independent readers, because it allows them to become more proficient with the act of reading, as they are already familiar with the arc of the story and the format. And repetition is good practice when you are learning something that is still new.

So don't worry if you can't find #17 in The Secrets of Droon or #23 in The Zach Files. Just grab a handful that your child hasn't read, and go!

* Special insider tip: If you do have that child who must read every series in order, or if she is into a series that should be read in order, check out the Mid-Continent Public Library's excellent resource about books in series. It's a gold mine of information.

10 Great Poetry Books for Kids

2011-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

We're halfway through April which means we're halfway through National Poetry Month. It's a great time to share the wonders of language with your children. Here are ten wonderful poetry books for kids ages 5 and up to get you started.

Poetrees by Douglas Florian celebrates all things "tree"--from acorns to the giant sequoia--through eighteen double-page poems coupled with wonderful mixed-media collage art.

I'm sneaking in more than ten right from the start, because I'd recommend all of Douglas Florian's poetry books for children from kindergarten up (try Insectlopedia). His poetry is so playful and much of it is concrete. Kids learn quickly that a line of poetry doesn't necessarily have to be straight. Or rhyme. It's clever in the best sense, short enough for young children, and loads of fun. The paintings are brilliant, too.

No list of poetry books for children would be complete without Jack Prelutsky, first Children's Poet Laureate. Start with his most recent, The Carnival of the Animals, new verses written to accompany Camille San Saens's musical piece, "The Carnival of the Animals."

Or try an earlier work, It's Raining Pigs and Noodles for the sheer joy of the language--wordplay, silliness and humor that young children adore.

And, of course, there is the inimitable Shel Silverstein. Pick up a copy of Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook to get your kids laughing as they try to read these poems, or listen to you read them. Or start with A Light in the Attic.

Before you tuck your preschoolers-2nd graders into bed, read some poems from Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems by Jane Yolen, a wonderful collection of old favorites and contemporary gems about bedtime. (This would make a great baby gift!)

Red Sings from the Treetops: A Year in Colors by award-winning poet Joyce Sidman, and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, is an exuberant celebration of both the seasons and color that will appeal to preschoolers through 3rd graders.

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by noted poet Marilyn Singer integrates fairy tales in this unique collection of poems that can be read both up and down the page with different results. Kids will be intrigued and maybe even challenged to write their own "reversos", poems that can be read the same backward and forward.

And just because, let's face it, dogs are such fun, let's include
A Dazzling Display of Dogs by Betsy Franco for all the dog lovers out there.

There you have it--ten books that celebrate the joy, wonder, and fun of language. What favorites do you read to your children? Please share them with us!

Play Ball!

2011-04-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

March Madness is over, the Nats are off to a decent start, and that means it's time for baseball! And that means books about baseball, too.

Ages 4-8 (picture book)

For little fans who like to search for all things baseball, try I Spy With My Little Eye Baseball written by Brad Herzog and illustrated by David Milne. There's enough here for repeated enjoyment.

Ages 7 and up (nonfiction)
The Unforgettable Season: The Story of Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Record-Setting Summer of '41 written by Phil Bildner and illustrated by S.D. Schindler, tells the story of two of baseball's most enduring heroes and records--DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak and Williams's single season batting average of .406. Filled with fun facts and statistics, and beautifully enhanced with warm, retro illustrations, this book will engage young fans.

If you want to know even more about the man some call the greatest hitter of all time, check out No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams and the Last .400 Season by Fred Bowen, illustrated by Charles S. Pyle.Bowen's writing lends authenticity to the exciting story and Pyle's illustrations capture and extend the thrills and the drama.

Ages 8-12 (nonfiction)

Baseball Heroes by Glenn Stout is the first book in a new nonfiction series for middle grade readers called Good Sports. Baseball Heroes highlights the inspiring stories of Jackie Robinson, Hand Greenburg, Fernando Valenzuela and Ila Borders. Fans of Matt Christopher and Mike Lupica will enjoy this new series.

Ages 7-11 (nonfiction)
If you are interested in the first (and only) woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, read She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Don Tate. Effa Manley loved baseball from the time she was a child, and she loved to watch Babe Ruth play for the Yankees. She grew up to be the owner of a baseball team and a strong advocate for the rights of all players.

Ages 9-12 (fiction)

Former Baltimore Oriole and record-holder himself, the "ironman" Cal Ripken, Jr., along with sports writer Kevin Cowherd, has written a baseball book for kids in the 3rd grade and up called Hothead. Conner is the star of his middle school team, but when his dad loses his job, Conner starts losing his cool during games, and has to learn some tough lessons to go with the baseball he plays so well. Another good choice for Mike Lupica fans.

As always, this is just a tiny sample to whet your appetite. Take a look at the baseball list on What'sNext, our readers suggestion tool. Do a catalog search for baseball, and limit it to kids for many more results. Or better yet, stop by the children's desk at any of our locations and we'll help you find the perfect book for the baseball fans in your life.

Read-Aloud Winners

2011-04-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

On the heels of our recent post about one dad's experiences reading aloud to his children comes the announcement of the 2011 E. B. White Read-Aloud Awards.

Created by the ABC Children's Group at the ABA, these awards "recognize books that reflect the playful, well-paced language, the engaging themes, and the universal appeal to a wide range of ages embodied by E.B. White’s collection of beloved books."

The 2011 middle reader award went to one of our favorites, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, by Tom Angelberger. Last June, we were lucky enough to host the author at Central Library. His book makes a great read-aloud for kids from 4th to 7th grade.

The 2011 picture book award went to the deliciously titled, Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown.

Four classics were inducted into the Indies Choice Book Awards Picture Book Hall of Fame (scroll down):

Corduroy by Don Freeman
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee burton
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Check out the list of previous winners, all obviously great read-aloud suggestions. And we'd love to hear what books you enjoy reading out loud to your children--please leave a comment!

Send a Wounded Soldier a Card

2011-04-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Children have been busily creating cards to send to wounded soldiers as part of this year's youth component of Arlington Reads.
Just a reminder that materials will be available in the children's areas at all library locations through April 30.

Thanks for participating!

"Safety is No Accident"

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

That is the slogan for National Public Health Week from April 4-10, 2011. Sponsored by the American Public Health Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year's focus is on safety.

Check out the video below to learn more. And take a look at useful tips to keep your children and yourselves safe at home, at work, at play, on the move, and in your community.

A little further down, we offer a few book suggestions.

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Fire Drill by Paul DuBois Jacobs is a simple introduction to a fire drill in a kindergarten class.

In Please Play Safe! Penguin's Guide to Playground Safety by Marjorie Cuyler, Penguin and his friends learn all about what are safe (and unsafe!) behaviors at the playground.

The Berenstain Bears: Safe and Sound! by Jan and Stan Berenstain addresses the importance of wearing helmets at the skate park.

A Smart Kid's Guide to Social Networking Online by David J. Jakubiak explains the issues around social networking sites for elementary-aged children and suggests age-appropriate options.

This is just a sampling of books about health and safety. Stop by and ask for more!

Paws to Read, Take 2

2011-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

Our first Paws to Read program was a resounding success! Check out the video below..

If you have a 6 to12-year-old who would enjoy reading to a trained therapy dog, you can still register for the April 11 and April 25 sessions by calling 703-228-5946.

Don't Tell Them It's Educational

2011-04-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

PBS Kids has consolidated a collection of games for teachers to use with whiteboards in the classroom. But they are just fine for playing on a home computer, as well.

The games cover language arts, the arts, math, and social science, the majority for preK-2, with some options for grades 3-5.

Your kids will have so much fun, they may not realize how much they're learning!

Born To Be Wild! Free Movie Tickets and More

2011-03-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

The library has been given some movie-related goodies, and we'd like to pass them on to you!

Born to be Wild 3D is a family movie about the bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time.

Silly Bands, mini elephant, mini orangutang

If your child would like the chance to win Born to Be Wild Silly Bands, a mini elephant or a mini orangutang, leave us a comment on this blog post. We have one of each to give away, and we'll randomly select winners next Friday, April 8. Be sure to include your email so we can contact you!

But, that's not all!
We also have passes to give away for a free screening of the movie on Monday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m., at the Smithsonian's Samuel C. Johnson Imax theatr.

If you would like to see the movie, come to Arlington Central Library and have your children tell the youth services librarians "I'm a Wild Child." We'll hand over the passes. (These are first come, first serve and our supplies are limited)

Finally, here are some books to add a little wild to your reading!

The Frog Scientist by Paula Turner
This captivating and beautifully photographed title in the Scientists in the Field series follows Tyrone Hayes, a biologist at UC Berkeley who is trying to discover the effects pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, on humans.

I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird: My Adventures Photographing Birds from a Helicopter by Robert B. Haas
Young readers are invited to climb aboard a helicopter with "National Geographic" photographer Haas and journey all over the world in search of wild animals and exotic places.

Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins
When it comes to wild animals, everyone knows that there are certain things that one should not do. In this fascinating picture book, readers find out what they should "never" do if they encounter one of these surprisingly dangerous animals.

Wanted: Kid Reviewers

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Parents, librarians, and teachers can recommend books to children, but nothing works as well as hearing what books other kids are reading and loving.

The children's librarians know a couple of young readers who provide us with occasional "kid-approved" book reviews," but we'd love to get more local kids to share their opinions on books.

Do you have a child between the ages of 5-12, who loves to read and would be willing to share their favorite books or audiobooks - by writing a short review or on video?

If so, let us know! Call us at 703-228-5946 or email us at ceys@arlingtonva.us, and leave your name and phone number. We'd love to hear from you (and your kids)!

Paws to Read

2011-03-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Woof!
When I'm not dreaming about bones and chasing balls, I'm dreaming about stories. You might not believe me, but I absolutely love being read to. Books are my favorite thing in the entire world (after a nice big dinner). I guess you could say that I'm not your average dog. My name is Humphrey, and I love it when kids read stories to me.

One of my favorite new books is called The Buddy Files: The Case of the Library Monster. It is all about a trained therapy dog (like me) who gets to read with kids in the library (like you)!

What is your favorite book? If you want to make my doggie dreams come true, come read it to me this Monday March 28th at Central Library. Click here for more information, or call Central Library Youth Services at (703) 228-5946 to register.

Parents, check out this piece by ABC World News about how reading to dogs really can help your child improve their reading skills!

WaPo Book World on Children's Books

2011-03-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, last Sunday's Washington Post contained Book World's spring children's issue, and it was full of great new reading suggestions by children's literature experts.

Kristi Jemtegaard, former APL youth services supervisor and current Westover Branch manager, reviewed five new picture books for children. Kristi's reviews are always small gems themselves and will give you a wonderful, almost visceral sense of the books.

If your child's tastes lean to "true facts", Abby McGanney Nolan reviews five new nonfiction books on subjects ranging from the still unsurpassed, record-setting 1941 baseball season to Amelia Earhart's flight across the Atlantic to the wonder that is the human body.

With National Poetry Month on the horizon (though who needs an excuse to read poetry?), Karen MacPherson reviews delightful poetry books for babies through teens.

And there's more--audiobook and graphic novel reviews, plus Liz Seymour's excellent article about the iPad as a picture book, including reviews of a handful of apps worth downloading.

Take a look at some of these new titles, and please ask the children's specialists at your branch library for more suggestions. It's what we most enjoy doing.

Paper-Cutting Magic

2011-03-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Silhouette artist, Karl Johnson, amazed and delighted the parents, grandparents, and other caregivers at Central Library who were lucky enough to watch this master create stunning likenesses of their young children, using nothing more than a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

Take a look at the video below and be inspired. Then check out one of these books (or come in and ask for more suggestions) to encourage your children to explore the magic of making art from something as simple as a piece of paper!

Easy Paper Crafts in 5 Steps by Anna Llimos Plomar
The Jumbo Book of Paper Crafts by Amanda Lewis
Paper Folding by Clive Stevens

Now check this out!

Birth of the Read-Aloud Dad

2011-03-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

For many mothers, talking with your baby or pre-verbal child is just something you do without much thought. But for some fathers, like the
Read Aloud Dad, it proves more difficult.

What changed everything for Read Aloud Dad was children's books. High quality children's literature "almost magically opened up the channels of communication" between this father and his children.

Now Read Aloud Dad is a proselytizer, offering great tips, like "The three most important words when reading aloud", and "Six ways to find the best read-aloud children's books to share with your kid." His first tip is to come to the library and get suggestions from children's librarians!

Here are a just few books from our collection to get you started--there are lots more so please come in and ask.

Baby Read-Aloud Basics: Fun and Interactive Ways to Help Your Little One Discover the World of Words by Caroline Blakemore and Barbara Weston Ramirez

The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky

An Illustrated Treasury of Latino Read-Aloud Stories: The World's Best-Loved Stories for Parents and Child to Share by Maite Suarez-Rivas

top photo by Microsoft Office Online

Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson

2011-03-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Master silhouette artist Karl Johnson will be at Central Library to make a unique silhouette portrait of your child!

Thursday, March 17
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Central Library
FREE

Karl's silhouettes are all hand cut, original works of art. Each one created live by simply looking at his subject matter and cutting out an exact likeness freehand with scissors.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
CALL (703) 228-5946 to register, space is limited

Squirmy children welcome!

Making Rainbows and Other Fun Stuff About Weather!

2011-03-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

Now that March is here and spring is just around the corner, weather is a fun subject to explore with your young children. Here's a great rainbow-themed unit, chock full of activities, coloring pages, book suggestions, songs, and more.

Scroll down after the video to see more book suggestions!

If Frogs Made Weather by Marion Dane Bauer

Kipper's Book of Weather by Mick Inkpen

Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons

One Big Rain: Poems for Rainy Days by Rita Gray with illustrations by Ryan O'Rourke

When Rain Falls by Melissa Stewart with illustrations by Constance Bergum

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Matt Phelan

There are lots more books about all kinds of weather. Just stop by any branch library and ask for more suggestions!

Talking with Kids about Bad News

2011-03-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

When something as unfathomable as Friday's earthquake and tsunami in Japan occurs, children are exposed to images and sounds that may be difficult for them to process. Honestly, it's difficult for mature adults to wrap their heads around this kind of tragedy.

The folks at PBS Parents have an excellent resource for talking and listening to kids about the news, including how to start conversations and age-by-age insights. We encourage you to take at look at these articles if you need some help traversing such difficult conversations.

Here are a few books that also may help you:
Listening to Fear: Helping Kids Cope, from Nightmares to the Nightly News by Steven Maran

Tak ing Back Childhood: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Media-Saturated, Violence-Filled World by Nancy Carlsson-Paige

The Other Parent: The Inside Story on the Media's Effect on our Children by James P. Steyer, with a forward and afterward by Chelsea Clinton

Bad Stuff in the News: A Guide to Handling the Headlines by Marc Gellman and Thomas Hartman

5th Annual Reading: A Family Affair

2011-03-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is hosting their annual FREE family reading celebration coming up on March 19th from 9:30-2:30.

There will be plenty of activities for kids of all ages! Arlington Public Library will have a table at Reading: A Family Affair, and we would love to see you there! Check out the PDF flyer here.

The event is at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd. Falls Church, VA 22042.

Celebrate Women's History Month with Your Kids!

2011-03-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Today is International Women's Day and no better time to celebrate all the women who, with strength, courage, and intelligence, have made the world a better place for all. And let's also celebrate the young girls in our lives!

Check out our Kids' Spotlight : Women's History Month for links to information and activities for your kids.

Here's a list of books to get you started. And please stop by and ask a children's librarian for more suggestions--we love to help you find the perfect book for your child!

Photo from Microsoft Office Online

Video: Learn How to Make a Flip-O-Rama Like Dav Pilkey!

2011-03-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Dav Pilkey, beloved author of the Captain Underpants, Super Diaper Baby, and Ook & Gluk series, shows kids how to create their own Flip-O-Rama. It's pretty easy and looks like loads of fun.

By the way, be on the lookout for Super Diaper Baby 2: The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers, coming out this summer. Here's a look at the cover, drawn by Mr. Pilkey in two and a half minutes.

The Making of Hugo Cabret

2011-02-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, an inspired winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal, has absorbed middle grade readers since its initial release.

Many kids love the idea of reading a 511 page book, albeit one filled with pages of marvelous illustrations that enhance and extend the writing. The story of a young orphan living in the Paris train station in the 1930s and a mysterious toymaker engages reader page by brilliant page.

Take a look at Mr. Selznick's video about the making of Hugo Cabret.

And if that only whets your appetite for more information about this enchanting book, check out the post on Watch, Connect, Read for other videos and links about Hugo Cabret , including more from the author.

Book Suggestions from Real Kids!

2011-02-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

Roark, one of our all-time favorite library patrons, is back with some great suggestions for middle grade readers and above.

Roark is a 5th grader at Jamestown Elementary School and an excellent reader. He often reads well above grade level as some of his choices reflect, so the content of a few of his recommendations may not be suitable for all readers his age. This is often an issue for advanced young readers--finding that balance between reading ability and appropriate content. We are careful about what books we suggest, and always encourage parents to be aware of what their children are reading.

So let's get to Roark's books, comments, and ratings (5 stars is tops), starting with some choices for younger readers:

*** The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey is a good book that's not hard to read.

**** The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger is also a good choice. It's pretty easy and has cool instructions to make a Yoda.

**** Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer grabbed 4 out of 5 stars, and Roark didn't need to add any comments to this one--he recommends the entire series

*** The Seventh Level by Jody Feldman gets 3 out of 5 stars, despite being a little confusing and having more than one plot.

*** Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson is very confusing at first, but you will be rewarded if you make it through that part (though we have some issues with the whole idea of evil librarians trying to take over the world!) And if you like this book, there are three more in the Alcatraz series so far.

Here are suggestions for more advanced and older readers. These books are from out teen collection:

***** Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks rates Roark's maximum 5 stars, though he says it might frighten some 5th graders. If you like Evil Genius, then you'll want to look for Genius Squad and The Genius War.

*** Spray by Harry Edge is a good mystery that drags a bit at times.

***** I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore is definitely scary for younger readers, according to Roark. It's also quite long, has more than one plot which makes it a bit confusing, and does have some adult themes. But it earned 5 stars anyway!

If you have a young reader who would like to share their favorite books, please let us know!

Valentine's Day Chapter Books!

2011-02-11T07:34:00.001-08:00

We recently recommended some books about love for preschoolers, just in time for Valentine's Day. Today we want to direct you to books for elementary-age children.

Cam Jansen and the Valentine Baby Mystery by David A. Adler is a fun read for 2nd-4th graders. This special mystery even has memory games and Cam Jansen trivia.

The Malted Falcon by Bruce Hale is another hilarious mystery for 3rd-4th graders from the tattered casebook of Chet Gecko, 4th grade detective at Emerson Elementary School.

In Super-Secret Valentine by Abby Klein, first-grader
Freddy is afraid he will get laughed at for making a card for his friend Jessie and will delight newly independent readers.

For Geronimo Stilton fans, check out Geronimo's Valentine to see what that romantic mouse is up to. Kids ages 8 and up seem to adore this series.

We have more suggestions for Valentine's Day books for elementary school kids at What's Next booklists, our homegrown resource for book suggestions for readers of all ages--from babies to high schoolers!

Storytime Break

2011-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

The week of February 14 there will be no storytimes because the Library will be working hard to bring you our exciting new catalog and account system.

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

When storytime's canceled,

We miss YOU!

During the break, check out these fun Valentine's Day ideas for preschoolers and these great activities for elementary aged children.

All Arlington Public Library locations will be closed Monday, February 21 for Presidents' Day. All of us at Arlington Public Library wish you the happiest Valentine's Day and look forward to seeing you at storytime after February 21.

Love is in the Air!

2011-02-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, we thought we'd recommend some picture books about love. These are appropriate for children ages 3-6. Please be sure to ask us for more suggestions when you come to the library.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague answers that very import question.
The I Love You Book by Todd Parr celebrates unconditional love.
Old Bear and His Cub by by Olivier Dunrea explores the love between an old bear caring for his cub, but with an unexpected twist!
Henry in Love by by Peter McCarty. Who knew the power of a blueberry muffin?
My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Lauri Cornell celebrates the unconditional love between a mother and child.
Guess How Much I love You All Year Round by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram takes you through the year with Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare.

If you're looking for some fun activities, check out Reading Rockets and your child can learn how to make a pocket heart Valentine, write poems, and much more!

As always, we'd be happy to know what books about love your children love--please leave a comment!

An Awesome Book of Thanks

2011-02-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

You can read An Awesome Book (all about dreaming) and An Awesome Book of Thanks (all about being thankful) by Dallas Clayton for free. Just scroll across the bottom of the page and enjoy!

Doodle 4 Google in 2011

2011-01-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

and maybe your child will win big!

Google doodles are those fun redesigns that occasionally grace the Google corporate logo, like the one celebrating Albert Einstein's birthday, or the first day of spring, or the Mars Rover landing.

This year, Google is inviting K-12 children in the U.S. to unlock their imaginations around the theme "What I'd like to do someday..." Top prize for one talented and lucky student doodler is a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for their school!

Registration for this contest closes March 2. You can read all the details here, and if your young artist is in need of some inspiration, take a look at the more than 300 previous Google doodles from the last ten years.

Now get those crayons and pencils and paper out and have at it!

Photo from Microsoft Office Online

How the Art was Made for a Caldecott Winner

2011-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

We hope you've read this year's recently announced Caldecott winner, A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Now you and your young illustrators-to-be can see how Enid Stead created the woodblock pictures in this charming book! It's a fascinating look at the tools, techniques and processes that go into an award-winning picture book. Enjoy!

Video: A Wrinkle in Time in 90 Seconds!

2011-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L'Engle, winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal, is the first entry in the 90 Second Newbery Video Contest!

What a great way to get kids excited about books and reading! All you have to do is compress the content of any Newbery winner or Newbery honor book into a 90 second dramatization starring real kids.

Check out all the rules (and get lots of suggestions and inspiration). You have until September 15, 2011 to enter.

Now start reading and have at it!

2011 Children's Literature Award Winners!

2011-01-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

We recently reported on the 2011 Newbery and Caldecott award-winning books.

There were numerous other awards that were bestowed at the American Library Association's mid-winter conference in addition to the Newbery and Caldecott. You can find more about all of these wonderful books, audiobooks, DVDs (plus a video of a young girl explaining the history of the Caldecott medal) and more here.

And here's the complete list of all the youth media awards. It's a great place to get ideas for books to share with young readers of all ages. Enjoy!

And the Newbery Winner is...

2011-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Moon Over Manifest, written by Clare Vanderpool, was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal award yesterday at the American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference.

Books which received a Newbery Honor were (in alphabetical order by author):

Turtle in Paradise written by Jennifer L. Holm
Heart of a Samurai written by Margi Preus
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night written by Joyce Sidman
One Crazy Summer written by Rita Williams-Garcia

Congratulations to all the winners!

And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Enid E. Stead and written by Philip C. Stead won the prestigious Caldecott Medal awarded at the American Library Association's Mid-Winter conference today.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Laban Carrick Hill was awarded a Caldecott honor, as was Interrupting Chicken, illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein.

The library wants to send a big thank you out to every Arlington school student, as well as the school librarians who participated on one of the mock Caldecott committees! We had a wonderful time working with the groups and we all learned a great deal about what makes an award-winning picture book.

Let's do it again next year!

Barcroft Elementary School: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

A group of hard-working third graders from Barcroft are pleased to announce Art & Max written and illustrated by David Wiesner as their Caldecott winner!
They chose three additional books for Caldecott honors:
The Boy in the Garden by Alan Say
City Dog, Country Frog illustrated by Jon J. Muth, written by Mo Willems
A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead.

Well done! We thank the Barcroft students for their diligence and excellent work!

Randolph Elementary School: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a trend in voting this year, as the students on the Randolph Elementary mock Caldecott committee also selected Art & Max by David Wiesner as their winner.
They also selected two Caldecott honor books: Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton, with illustrations by Raul Colon and A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, with illustrations by Erin E. Stead.
More good work from Arlington's younger readers! Let's see how Randolph's choices hold up when the Caldecott winner is announced next week.

Patrick Henry Elementary: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

After careful consideration by the committee, Art & Max by David Wiesner took the top award at Patrick Henry.

Students also awarded mock Caldecott honors to City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J. Muth and All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Frances Alexander, with illustrations by Ashley Bryant.

Well done! We can't wait to see how Patrick Henry's winners measure up to the "official" Caldecott committee. Check back on Monday, Jan. 10 to find out!

McKinley Elementary School: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Another vote for City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, with illustrations by Jon. J. Muth!

Students from Kyra Wohlford's 5th grade language arts class at McKinley also chose two Caldecott honor books: Art & Max by David Wiesner was their second choice and The Boy in the Garden by Alan Say came in third.

We're impressed by how well all our mock Caldecott groups are doing! The McKinley students should be proud of their efforts!

Key Elementary: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Students at Key Elementary School proclaimed Art & Max by David Wiesner as the winner of their mock Caldecott Award. They also bestowed Caldecott honors for two books: City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, with illustrations by Jon J. Muth and A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip Christian Stead, with illustrations by Erin E. Stead.

Congratulations to Key's mock Caldecott committee! They've done great work and we'll soon soon if the official Caldecott committee agrees with their choices.

Long Branch Elementary School: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Discerning young readers at Long Branch Elementary School selected City Dog, Countr y Frog by Mo Willems, with illustrations by Jon. J. Muth, as their Caldecott winner.

They awarded a Caldecott honor to Art & Max by David Wiesner.

Good job! We'll see how the Long Branch group stacks up when the results are announced next Monday!

Glebe Elementary School: And the Caldecott Winner Is...

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Arlington public and elementary school librarians, along with discerning groups of young book lovers, teamed up again this year to select the best picture book of 2010 in much the same manner as the official Caldecott committee. With guidance from the librarians, students in ten elementary schools analyzed the illustrations of up to a dozen potential award-winning books before selecting their favorite.

For the children at Glebe Elementary, the mock Caldecott winner was Chalk by Bill Thomson. Honors went to LMNO Peas by Keith Baker and City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems and Jon J. Muth. The children did a wonderful job and we'll soon see how there choices stack up when the official Caldecott is awarded on January 10, 2011.

Coming Soon: Arlington Students Choose Their Caldecott Winners

2010-12-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

We'll be taking a brief break from posting on the Tots to Tweens blog.

But be sure to check back soon as we'll be highlighting the results of "mock" Caldecott committees comprised of students from several Arlington elementary schools. We'll stack them up against the actual winners which will be announced at the American Library Association's mid-winter conference on Monday morning, Jan. 10.

What picture book do you think deserves the Caldecott?

Video: 13 Words

2010-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

What happens when you team the delightfully quirky artist Maira Kalman with writer Daniel Handler (much better known as Lemony Snicket, author of the popular Series of Unfortunate Events)?

The result, 13 Words, is a word book for children unlike any other. While word #1, bird, is one you might expect to find in a book for young children, word #2 is despondent, word #9 is haberdashery and word
#12 is panache. Not your typical entries in a typical word book for kids.

But somehow the author weaves these 13 words together to make a story (perhaps an unusual story, but still...) and Kalman's illustrations brilliantly extend the meaning and it all comes together.

Video: Shark vs. Train...Who Will Win?

2010-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Shark Vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld is turning up on several "best of" lists for children (K-grade 2) this year. Given the subject matter--pure kid-friendly--it's easy to see why. You can share the video with your kids and check out this website, too. In voting as of today, shark is ahead of train, 54% to 45%!

Video: José-Luis Orozco Packed the House

2010-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

We had a full house last Saturday for a bilingual children's concert by José-Luis Orozco. If you missed the concert, we have plenty of his CDs and books that you can check out. Stop by our desk and a youth services librarian will be happy to help you!

Kids' Book Suggestions from Real Kids

2010-12-13T07:42:00.000-08:00

Today we turn over gift suggestions to a couple of our favorite young library customers (and avid readers), Roark and Pierce.

Roark is a 5th grader at Jamestown Elementary School and his brother Pierce is a 3rd grader. Both Roark and Pierce recommend The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan and Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce (which they both say is hilarious).

Roark also recommends:
H.I.V.E.: Higher Institute of Villainous-Education by Mark Walden

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey

Young Bond series (SilverFin, Blood Fever, Double or Die) by Charlie Higson

Pierce rounds out his list with:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (start with The Lightning Thief) by Rick Riordan
The Red Pyramid also by Rick Riordan

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

So there you have it--kid-approved suggestions for the young readers in your life. We'd love to hear what books your kids are asking for!

Give Books Kids Will Love, Part 5

2010-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Lisa, young adult specialist at Central Library, for this wonderful list of books which make will great gifts this year:

Some of her favorite picture books:
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead

The Chicken Thief by Beatrice Rodriguez

A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood

My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall

My Garden by Kevin Henkes

Some of her favorite non-fiction titles are:

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery

Candy Bomber: The STory of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot" by Michael O. Tunnell

Some of her favorite mid-grade titles are:

On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells

Justin Case by Rachel Vail

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth by Sandra Dutton

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

It's a Book by Lane Smith

Check out the previous four posts on our blog for more book suggestions!

Give Books Kids Will Love, Part 4

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for last minute gift ideas? Earlier this week we shared suggestions of books to give to children from birth to age 8. Today we will share books that children ages 9-13 will love.

Ages 9-12:

Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce
Max Cassidy by Paul Adam
Hide & Seek by Katy Grant
Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka

Ages 12-13:
Countdown by Debbie Wiles
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia
Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg

Thank you to Pat, tween specialist at Central Library, and Anne, youth services librarian at Shirlington Library for these great suggestions!

Winter/Spring Storytime Schedule (and 50 Literacy Activities for Babies!)

2010-12-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Our preschool storytimes start back up the week of Jan. 10. You can read a bit more about our different offerings or just check out the complete schedule on one page.

In the meantime, here is a great list of 50 literacy activities that you can do with your baby. As the article notes, introducing new activities and experiences for your baby creates and encourages brain connections that will potentially help your child throughout their life.

Stay warm and we'll see you soon back at storytime!

Give Books Kids Will Love, Part 3

2010-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

We've already shared lists of the best books published this year for children. Now we want to show you some of the books we think would make great gifts. Today we will give you some suggestions of picture books, early chapter books and graphic novels which we think will please any young reader. In our next post we will tell you about some books for older readers. Check out the TATAL blog to see which books teens are interested in this year.

Here are a few suggestions for picture books from Anne, our youth services librarian at Shirlington:

Don't Read This Book by Jill Lewis

Chick 'n' Pug by Jeniffer Sattler

Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn't Fit by Catherine Rayner

Here's a selection of favorites from Katherine, youth services librarian at Westover:

Wolf Pie by Brenda Seabrooke

Dotty by Erica S. Perl

Gabby & Gator by James Burks

And here are some chapter book suggestions from Anne and Pat, youth services librarian at Central Library.

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo

George Brown Class Clown by Nancy Krulik

The Adventures of Ook & Gluk by Dav Pilkey

Give Books Kids Will Love, Part 2

2010-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

We recently shared some suggestions for great books that make great gifts. We're going to continue by leading you to websites that can also help.

Capitol Choices is a group of local librarians, book-sellers, children's literature specialists, writers, and illustrators who produce an annual list of 100 Noteworthy Books for Children and Young Adults, divided by age groups.

The most recently published list includes book cover images, a description of the contents, and price information. You can see what they are reading this year and also access their archives going back to 1996. They include reviews of the best audio books, too.

MotherReader offers a wonderful list of picture books matched with gifts. For example, she pairs Art and Max by David Weisener or Bridget's Beret by Tom Lichtenstein with a paint set.

And what if you don't know the child very well? No problem! Just take a look at Lisa Von Drasek's Annual Best Books to Give Kids When You Have No Idea What to Get Them because you don't know them very well or they've read everything.

The New York Times recently published their list of the best illustrated children's books of 2010. Compare that to the list of best picture books of the year from School Library Journal. SLJ also produces a list of the best fiction books and best nonfiction books for children and teens.

The Bank Street College of Education's Children's Book Committee offers a list of outstanding books published in 2010, also divided by age. Publisher's Weekly released its list of Best Children's Books of 2010. The annotated list is divided into picture books and fiction, with a few nonfiction titles included.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be listing some of our personal favorites. And how about you? What books did your children absolutely love this year? What would you recommend to other adults and parents to buy for the children in their lives?

Give Books Kids Will Love, Part 1

2010-11-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be highlighting great books that would make great gifts for the young readers in your life.

Today, we'd like to draw your attention to the Kids Featured Titles list. Rachel, our children's collection development specialist, shares several picture and chapter books, as well as selected nonfiction titles and graphic novels that would make wonderful gifts. You can read through the descriptions to see if a book has appeal for your particular reader.

You can also take a look at the New Chapter Books for Children list, which includes both fiction and nonfiction titles, and also the New Picture Books for Children list. These lists will be updated mid-month so check back for even newer suggestions if you are a shopping procrastinator!

Be sure to check back often in the next couple of weeks. We'll be sharing some great websites for finding books, as well as recommendations from many of our children's librarians. As always, we'd love your feedback. Which books did your young reader adore this year?

Lexile? Huh?

2010-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard the word "lexile" from a teacher or other parent and wondered what it meant? A lexile measurement is a number representing the difficulty of a book or a person's reading ability. Matching a reader with books at their level makes them feel confident in their reading abilities. Giving a reader a book slightly higher than their level will give them a challenge.

We often get questions about Lexile measurements at the reference desk. For example, a parent knows their child's lexile reader measurement and wants to find a book appropriate for them. That's where Lexile.com can help.

You can use Lexile.com's Find the Right Book For You! tool to search for books at your child's reading level, either by entering their lexile number if you know it or by entering their grade and comfort level with reading. You can then choose a topic area or genre within which to search. Try this next time your child's teacher assigns a "Fantasy" or "Biography" and you're not sure where to start!

Video: Mark Your Calendars for a Great Family Concert!

2010-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Please join bilingual educator, children's author, and recording artist, Jose Luis Orozco, for a free concert Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2:00 pm in the Central Library auditorium.

Your kids will sing, dance, clap, and laugh while learning basic language and literacy skills.

Buenos Días - Good Morning from José-Luis Orozco on Vimeo.

It's National Adoption Month!

2010-11-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

November is the month we celebrate National Adoption Month to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. The 2010 theme is "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent."

The library has many wonderful books about adoption. Here are just a few:

JP JOOSS - Nikolai, the Only Bear by Barbara Joosse. Nikolai, a bear who lives in the orphanage in Novosibirsk, Russia, does not seem to fit in until the day some visitors arrive from America.

J 306.874 SCHUE – Adoptive Families by Sarah L. Schuette. Simple text and photographs present adoptive families, including how family members interact with one another.

JP CURTI - Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis. A young girl asks her parents to tell her again the cherished family story of her birth and adoption.

For more, please check out our Adoption page on What's Next Booklists!

Storytime Hiatus

2010-11-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

Our fall quarter preschool programs will end November 20. We'll start back up on January 8, 2011 with a range of storytimes around the library system.

In the meantime, there are lots of great picture book recommendations at What's Next for you to enjoy with your children.

If you're looking for some fun activities, here's a great site with winter and holiday activities and crafts for the month of December.

Be sure to check back for the winter quarter schedule and all the details. We can't wait to see you at storytime again!

We've Got TumbleBooks!

2010-11-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

TumbleBooks are animated, talking ebooks geared to elementary school-aged children.

The TumbleBook Library contains picture books, chapter books, nonfiction titles, puzzles and games, as well as books in Spanish and French.

Thanks to the Library of Virginia, public libraries across the state have a one-year subscription to this wonderful resource. You can read more details, then jump in and play around.

You can also get to TumbleBooks via the Kids Corner "Fun Sites." However you get there, your child is guaranteed a fun, engaging literary experience. Check it out!

Meet Our Newest Happy Customer!

2010-11-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Joshua was "super, super excited" when he recently got his library card and promptly checked out a movie, a book-on-CD (volumes 1-8 of the Magic Tree House series,) and four picture books.

His mom said "thank you for making such a wonderful collection available to our kids."

We say thank you for bringing Joshua to the library! Come back often!

Here's everything you need to know to get you or your child a library card. It's fast and easy and the price is right.

Celebrate Ivy and Bean!

2010-11-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

November 7 is "Celebrate Ivy and Bean Day." The stories of these delightfully mismatched friends, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, have received starred reviews and are great for kids from grades 1-3. You can watch the author, teachers and students discussing the appeal of Ivy + Bean.

Here are some fun ideas to help your kids celebrate these lovable characters, including potion-making and easy-peasy manicures (not your typical manicures!) There are also games, printable cards, activities, and a trivia quiz at the Ivy and Bean fanclub site.

To get a flavor of the series, here's a sample from book 6, Ivy and Bean: Doomed to Dance.

There's even more fun at the author's website, including an interview with the author, a description of the series, and tips for elegance by Ivy + Bean.

In the newest book, Ivy + Bean: What's the Big Idea?, the girls are facing the prospect of solving global warning for the school's Science Fair. You can read Chapter 1 here. You can also find the series in our catalog.

Have fun with Ivy and Bean!

Last Minute Project? Homework Help is Here!

2010-11-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Does your child need more background information for his science project? Did your daughter pick an obscure animal for a report about which you can find little information? Don't despair!

You can help your child discover a treasure of resources to tackle the next homework assignment at our revamped and updated homework help portal!

Here you will find our library's premium sites (authoritative content that the Library pays for), as well as websites that have been vetted by our youth services librarians . You'll need your library card to access most of the premium sites.

Currently we have guides for the following subjects, but we'll be adding new guides as demand warrants (we're open to your suggestions!):

Animals	Biographies
Current Events	Encyclopedias
History	Math
Learn a Language	Reading and Writing
Science	Science Fair Project Guide
States and Countries

Here's the complete list of premium sites with descriptions, including great resources for middle and high schoolers and for adults. Please let us know what you think!

Are You Ready for Halloween Fun?

2010-10-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for spooky fun! If you haven't already, please take a look at our Kids Corner Halloween spotlight.

We have links to fun activities for children, including Halloween recipes, coloring pages, online games, jokes, scary stories, jack-o-lantern patterns and more.

And if you're a procrastinator, check out this gallery of great costumes inspired by the Mo Willems Pigeon books. Some of them look easy enough to put together at the last minute.

Enjoy this not-too-scary video of Five Little Pumpkins with your littlest trick-or-treaters!

Mock Caldecott Discussions Underway!

2010-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Youth Services librarians are excited to be out in the community visiting Arlington elementary schools for Mock Caldecott Committees.

The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the preceding year.

Our committees are made up of school children from Ashlawn, Science Focus, Barcroft, Barrett, Campbell, Carlin Springs, Drew, Glebe, Henry, Jamestown, Key, Long Branch, McKinley, Randolph, and Taylor elementary schools.

These “committees” of children meet during lunch or after school to talk about the merits of the picture books nominated this year and to decide which book they think deserves to win the Caldecott Medal. During their visits, librarians ask questions to initiate critical discussion on how each book's pictures work—or don't.

Overwhelmingly, the thirty students participating at Glebe thought that the illustrations in Elisha Cooper's Farm didn't tell a story and that the author had left lots of white space to fill up with words.

In contrast, they could see a story taking shape in My Garden by Kevin Henkes, just from looking at the pictures. Despite the students' different reading levels and reading habits, they all have the skills to look at pictures and form an opinion on their effectiveness. The children did a wonderful job last year and this year should be equally exciting!

Other books up for discussion include:

A Sick Da y for Amos McGee by Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead

Art and Max by David Wiesner

The Boy in the Garden by Allen Say

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon

City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon Muth

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Little Black Crow by Chris Raschka

Mama Miti : Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

If you're interested in past winners, Central Library has a non-circulating collection of Caldecott Medal Books. Central also has collections of past Newbery, Geisel, Sibert, and Coretta Scott King award winners. Come take a look. And let us know which book you think deserves the Caldecott Award.

(Top photo from last year's Patrick Henry committee.)

Video: Where is There a Place for You and a Place for Me?

2010-10-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

There's a place for everyone...at the Arlington Public Library, of course!

With special thanks to Mariela!

Who or What is Little Pim?

2010-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Little Pim is where kids can learn a language online!

This brand new online product, free with your library card, is interactive and brings a new level of access to language learning resources for kids.

Little Pim is specifically designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Each lesson provides the basic building blocks of a second or third language, and incorporates Julia Pimsleur Levine’s Entertainment Immersion Method™, as well as a series of practice quizzes, designed to increase the child’s comprehension and retention of the content.

The languages available on Little Pim include:
• Spanish • French • Mandarin Chinese • Italian • Japanese • Hebrew • German • Russian
• Arabic • English/ESL for Children

The technical requirements include:
* Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Firefox, Safari or Opera
* Adobe Flash Player 9

The only other requirement is your free library card! So give it a try with your child and let us know what you think.

Are Reports of the Death of Picture Books Greatly Exaggerated?

2010-10-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

With a tip of our hat to Mark Twain, the recent New York Times article about the "death" of picture books has thrown librarians, parents, and others in the children's literature universe into a righteous frenzy.

Jumping into the fray, the idea that pushing children to quickly pass through the "picture book phase" and moving them onto chapter books will increase their reading abilities and academic opportunities is questionable, at best.

Lisa Von Drasek from Early Words Kids takes issue with the Times article and powerfully outlines "what picture books do for young minds." If you feel the need to force your child to "move up" to chapter books, please read her article.

MotherReader calls for us all to take a deep breath and to remember that just because the New York Times says it's so doesn't make it so. In fact, Amanda Gignac, the mother who was quoted in the article as saying she and her husband kept picture books away from their six and a half year old son because "he doesn’t want to work to read," claims her comments were taken out of context.

If you need more inspiration, Pam, the long time children's books blogger at MotherReader (and at the recently retired PBS Parents Booklights) also has a great post about the value of reading picture books aloud "until the kids actually roll their eyes and walk away." She knows of what she speaks.

We here at the library obviously recognize that picture books are not merely some stepping stone to higher level reading; they are valuable resources for children of all ages and stages. As librarians, we've experienced the delight of captivating a room filled with three years olds with a great picture book, as well as a 5th grade classroom. And judging from the circulation numbers of our picture book collections all around the library system, it looks like many Arlington parents agree with us.

What about you?

The Impact of Preschool Storytimes on Early Literacy Skills

2010-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Preschool storytimes at all the Arlington library locations are hugely popular, fun, and an enjoyable way for young children and their parents to spend some time outside of the house. But there is much more going on than might seem evident at first glance.

The succinct definition of early literacy is "what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write," according to the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a division of NIH, identified 6 skills which must be acquired before learning to read: Print Motivation, Vocabulary, Print Awareness, Narrative Skills, Phonological Awareness, and Letter Knowledge.

Arlington Public Library Youth Services librarians have participated in extensive early literacy and child development training based on the NICHD research, learning how to design developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers which incorporate these six key early literacy skills.

Our librarians model early literacy interactions with children during storytime presentations for the parents and caregivers who are the child's first teachers. We also "train the trainers" by going out into the community and doing early literacy presentations for groups working with preschoolers, such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and licensed day care providers.

We do have a great time presenting our stories, songs, flannel boards, and finger plays. At the same time, we are working hard to encourage development of these essential early literacy skills and helping parents and caregivers learn some of the valuable tools we incorporate into our programming.

So bring your child to one of our storytimes throughout the library system. And please take a look at our early literacy page for more information. As always, we'd love to hear your feedback!

A Cool Tool for Creating Computer Games

2010-10-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're tired of arguing with your children about playing computer games all the time. But what if they were playing and sharing games of their own creation?

Scratch is a simple educational programming language developed by M.I.T. that makes it easy to create interactive stories, games and animation and to share them on the web.

It's intended for kids ages 8 and up, but even younger children can work with parents or older siblings to create games. A 2007 New York Times article likens Scratch to playing with blocks.

Scratch is free to download and easy to use, but don't be deceived by its simplicity. Designing these games and animations builds systematic reasoning and mathematical and computational skills. Scratch programming encourages creativity and logical thinking. Best yet, Scratch is fun.

You might be surprised at the projects that children have created. Take a look, and maybe you can give it a try along with your kids. But don't be surprised if they are better at it than you!

Photo from Microsoft Office Online

What Do Waldo, Little Red Riding Hood, and Captain Underpants Have in Common?

2010-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

They are all characters in children's books that have been challenged or banned. You can add Mickey from Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen to the list. And the penguins in And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. The list goes on. You may be surprised at some of the childrens' picture and chapter books that you'll find.

You can take this "Bookish Quiz" (thanks to 100 Scope Notes) and test your knowledge about banned and challenged books in the U.S.

And celebrate the freedom to read!

So You Signed Up to be the Library Parent at Your Child's School...

2010-09-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

What's Next? That's exactly right!

What's Next? Booklists for Children and Teens is a one-stop resource created by Arlington Public Library youth services librarians available on the web.

You can find PDFs of our recommended graded reading lists and preschool lists.We have new and featured lists, including beginning readers lists, new chapter books for kids, new picture books, and our monthly featured titles lists.

You can also find subject guides to picture books for young readers and kids chapter books.

So if you're the "library parent" for your child's preschool or elementary school and need animal books you can browse the animals lists or type, say, "elephants" in the search box to come up with a list of picture books and nonfiction books about elephants. So easy to use!

A couple of things to remember: The titles are simply lists of books by subject. What's Next? is and will always be a work in progress. We are constantly adding new subjects and titles. (We welcome suggestions if you have them!)

We are working to further divide the subject categories by age/grade to better help you find just the right book for your young readers.

So, please go to www.whatsnextbooklists.org, take a look around and let us know what you think!

Video: Introducing Ook & Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

2010-09-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Fans of the Captain Underpants series will welcome the second graphic novel by George Beard and Harold Hutchins (with help from Dav Pilkey.)

It's called The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future and it is filled with the same slightly subversive, head-slapping humor that legions of young readers adore.

Fair warning for parents: There is mild cartoon violence (they are kung-fu cavemen, after all.) The humor is juvenile--no question about that. George and Harold continue to have trouble spelling correctly throughout the book. A good example of all of the above is Flip-O-Rama #7: Regergitation Animation (you can use your imagination.)

That said, Dav Pilkey's books have engaged and inspired hordes of formerly reluctant readers and he encourages children to draw and write their own stories. Check out his website with fair warning that it "contains scenes and material too silly for adults, small animals, and many varieties of houseplants."

And you can take a look at the trailer for The Adventures of Ook and Gluk.

Video: How to Make Simple Puppets with Jim Henson

2010-09-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Nico, one of our youth services librarians, came upon this old video of Jim Henson creating puppets for children from simple items from around the house. It's amazing what he does with a tennis ball, a piece of cloth, and a marker.

We also have some great books to help inspire you and your children. Here are a few:
Making Shadow Puppets by Jill Bryant
Finger Folk by Marilyn Lohnes
Puppet Tales by Valerie Marsh

Now enjoy the video!

60's Flasback: Books for Middle Readers

2010-09-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

It seems there has been a mini-explosion recently of excellent and engaging books about the 1960s for young readers. Here are a few favorites.

Set in 1968, One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia follows three young girls whose father puts them on a plane from New York to Oakland, CA to spend a month with their mother who left them years earlier. Cecile is a poet consumed by her craft and curiously detached from her daughters. She sends them out each morning to eat breakfast and participate in a youth program set up by the Black Panther Party, with instructions to stay away all day so she can write and not be bothered by them. Eleven-year-old Delphine, the oldest sister, is one of the most resilient and endearing characters I've come across in a long time. She steers herself and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, through a volatile and emotional landscape with strength, dignity, and a flowering maturity. This beautifully written book brings alive a time, a place, and events that defined a generation. It is sure to capture young readers from grades 4 through 7.

My Life with the Lincolns by Gale Brandeis takes place in 1966. Perceived coincidences and an overactive imagination lead 12-year-old Mina Edelman to believe that she and her family are the Lincoln family reincarnated--yes, that Lincoln family. So she must protect them all from what fate delivered to the original Lincolns. When she and her father become involved in the Chicago Freedom Movement, Mina's perspective begins to change as she struggles to make sense of the issues of the day: Vietnam, social injustice, and civil rights. Serious issues from a serious time, but Mina's fresh voice is interspersed with wit and humor. Brandeis captures the time perfectly. Be warned that there is some racially derogatory language that reflects the reality of the time. For 5th -7th graders.

Countdown by Debbie Wiles is a mashup of a book, a "docu-novel" if you will, and the first in the planned "Sixties Trilogy." Eleven-year-old Franny lives with her family in suburban Maryland near Andrews Air Force Base. It is 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis is escalating. Snippets from songs and speeches, newspaper advertisements and articles, photographs, and more are interspersed throughout the narrative and give the reader a direct sense of what it felt like to live through the time. Franny deals with talk of the Cold War, fallout shelters and "duck and cover," while also navigating the ups and downs of family life and growing up. Another wonderful book for readers in grades 5-7.

The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon is for slightly older readers, from grades 6 and up. Also set in that volatile year, 1968, in Chicago, 14-year-old Sam has grown up absorbing the lessons of nonviolence imparted by his father, a civil rights icon who works closely with Martin Luther King, Jr. After learning of Dr. King's assassination and witnessing other acts of brutality (which are graphically depicted,) Sam's older brother, Stick, joins the Black Panthers. Sam's struggles to integrate the lessons from his father with the message of the militant Black Panther movement that his brother espouses are gripping and powerful. An author's note provides more historical context for the reader.

Back to School Tips for Parents

2010-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe our long, hot summer is over and a new school year is here...

If you're looking for some help to get both you and your children in the right frame of mind for the transition, check out these websites:

Family Education covers a huge range of back to school topics, including kindergarden kickoff, moving up to middle school, homework help by grade, school lunch ideas and recipes, and much more.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers concise advise about re-establishing routines before school starts, overcoming anxiety, and what to do if problems arise.

The US Department of Education has a nice guide to helping assure your child's academic success as well as tips for working with schools and teachers.

For some inspiring healthy lunch box ideas, complete with great photos, check out this post at BlogHer!

You can also find a list of books about starting school to share with your young students at What's Next: Booklists for Children and Teens, along with books about all kinds of subjects.

Here's to a successful new school year!

Photo from Microsoft Office Online

Video: The Big Book of Gross Stuff

2010-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another great booktalk by our youth services librarian, Anne - for The Big Book of Gross Stuff by Bart King.

Be warned--it really is gross stuff! So it's best for kids in grades 4-6 who really like that sort of thing.

What to Do During Our Storytime Hiatus?

2010-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our summer preschool storytimes have come to an end, but we'll be back before long.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to enhance your baby, toddler, or preschooler 's early literacy skills.

Read Mr. Gumpy's Outing and have a tea party with fruity flavored iced tea.
Play "I Spy" with rhyming words, for example, "I spy something that rhymes with BAT."
Make sand letters at the beach.
Keep a bag of library books and CDs in the car to entertain your children while running errands.
Sing a favorite song, leave out a few words, and ask your child to remember the words that are missing.
Sing nursery songs and rhymes to your baby.
Check out our booklists or stop by and talk to any youth services librarian for suggestions.

Remember--early literacy is what children learn about reading and writing before they can actually read or write.

We'll see you at storytime soon. Check back for all the details!

2010: A Record-Setting Year for Snow, Heat ...and Summer Reading Participation!

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

With just under two weeks to go, 5194 kids from toddlers to teens have registered for Get Caught Reading this summer and nearly 1400 have picked reached their reading goals and picked up their prizes!

We'll let you know what the final tally is after the last squirty fishes are handed out on Saturday, Sept. 11.

In the meantime, keep reading! And remember to check back for our fall storytime schedule--programs will resume in mid-September.

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Video: Uh, Oh! I Barfed on Mrs. Kenly

2010-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

A book for newly independent readers brought to you by Anne, youth services librarian from Westover Branch Library.

It's Not Too Late...

2010-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

...to sign your children up for Get Caught Reading, our summer reading program.

As librarians, part of our mission is to promote the joy of reading in all its forms. And clearly, the children who participate in our summer reading program enjoy meeting their reading goals and claiming their small prizes. We see that every day as more kids come to our desk waving yellow reading logs and spending considerable time deciding what color fish they want.

But you don't have to rely on our perceptions to appreciate the value of summer reading. Though it may seem obvious, research stresses the importance of successful summer reading experiences and verifies that "children who enjoy reading will read more and become more proficient." Conversely, those children without positive reading experiences find less enjoyment in voluntary reading and experience the learning loss that researchers refer to as "summer slide."

This article from Reading Rockets discusses how summer reading loss impacts student achievement and offers literacy advice for families. And if you need yet more evidence about the positive impact of summer reading programs, take a look at highlights of a study done by Dominican University.

So don't delay! Registration continues through August 28th for preschool and elementary-age children. After meeting their reading goal, they can pick up a "squirty" fish prize through September 11.

Are We There Yet? Resources for Traveling With Children

2010-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Traveling with children can be a joy... when you are prepared.

So make sure to stop by Central or your favorite Arlington branch library before you head out of town. You can check out books and audiobooks for three weeks without having to renew them. (And you can renew online if there are no holds on the items.)

Rachel Wood, our children's collection development specialist, gave us a list of her favorite audiobooks for family listening:

Whales on Stilts and the other Pals in Peril books by M.T. Anderson
Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
The Ramona books by Beveraly Cleary, read by Stockard Channing
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke
The Frances audio collection by Russell Hoban
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
The Alvin Ho collection by Lenore Look
The Sam Krupnick series by Lois Lowry
The Stink books by Megan MacDonald, read by Nancy Cartwright
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro Baseball by Kadir Nelson
The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (this is in the teen section, but according to Rachel "the boys loved it at 6, and still shout CRIVENS! once in a while.)
Knucklehead:Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories about Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

But what if everyone can't agree on a particular audiobook? Then try our playaways! These personal, pocket-sized digital players are preloaded with a single audiobook. You supply the earphones (and pack an extra AAA battery, just in case.) Everyone can listen to a favorite book--it's a win-win deal.

We also offer a great selection of eAudiobooks for kids and teens that can be downloaded to your computer and transferred to iPods and other mp3 players. Check out the details here.

And don't forget about books! If you search the library catalog for "travel with children" you'll find a wealth of books about traveling, for both parents and children.

There are numerous websites dedicated to traveling with children. One of the best is the appropriately named Travel With Your Kids. It's a very comprehensive, well-designed site written by two sets of parents with many family travel miles under their belts.

For road trips, check out Mom'sMinivan for 101 car travel games and fun ideas to pass the time until you are actually there!

If you have a favorite travel tip, website or book that has made traveling with children more enjoyable, please share it with us. Bon voyage and have fun!

Preschoolers Sing Books with Emily!

2010-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Get Caught Listening for preschoolers welcomed special guest Emily Leatha Everson to Central Library on Wednesday morning. She also recently visited Westover, Shirlington, and Aurora Hills.

Emily will perform her wonderful program for preschoolers again on Friday, July 30 at 10:30 am at Columbia Pike, Wednesday, August 4 at 6:30 pm at Glencarlyn, and Thursday, August 5 at 10:30 am at Cherrydale. You can call those branches for more information.

Here is a little preview of the fun you can expect!

Meet Your Youth Services Librarians!

2010-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Please say hello to Anne, youth services librarian currently working at Westover Branch Library!

1. How long have you been a librarian?

Seven years at the New York Public Library and I'm coming up on three years with Arlington Public Library.

2. What is your favorite part of the job?

Talking with kids who come into the library to find out what they enjoy reading. Librarians always think we have our pulse on the new "it" book, but kids often have a very different take!

3. What/who are some of your favorite books? authors? illustrators?

My favorite series as a kid was Little House on the Prairie; I wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder sooooooo badly and have to climb a ladder to my loft bed.

The first book I remember getting addicted to was Willowbrook Farm. I was in second grade and I remember whining to my mom one afternoon that I was bored and had nothing to do. She said "Why don't you go and read your Willowbrook Farm book?" A light went off in my head and I could think of no better way to spend an afternoon. I still can't.

4. Do you have a favorite online resource or website?

I like to send parents to funbrain.com. It's educational games so you're keeping everyone happy!

5. If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be?

A unicorn. I've always loved them. And preferably one that could fly.

If you have a question you'd like to ask any one of our children's or teen librarians, please let us know. Thanks!

Hound Dogs, Hokey Pokey and B-I-N-G-O!

2010-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Library Director, Diane Kresh, recently engaged a large and enthusiastic group of preschoolers with singing, dancing, and stories about dogs at Central Library's Get Caught Listening program.

A rousing version of Elvis's "You Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog" brought the young crowd to their feet!

The picture books were a big hit, of course, and included Dogs by Emily Gravett and A Dog Needs a Bone by Audrey Wood.

If you're looking for some other great books about dogs, try these:
Dogku by Andrew Clements
Maggie's Ball by Lindsay Barrett George
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems

And you can find even more books about dogs (and lots of other animals, too!) at What's Next, our super list of books for kids and teens!

It Doesn't Tweet, Blog, or WooT- It's a Book!

2010-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's a Book! by Lane Smith won't be released until late August, but you can enjoy this charming video right now. Please share with your young technophiles :>)

Sea Turtles, Our Watershed, and Our Children

2010-07-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

An enthusiastic group of elementary school-aged children recently gathered in the Central Library auditorium for a summer reading program called Sea Turtles and Our Watershed, presented by Smithsonian National Zoo.

The aim was to connect kids with their local and global watersheds through an engaging activity and to raise awareness of the sea turtle's habitat.

As part of the presentation dealt with water pollution, the the topic of the BP oil spill was raised. Many of the children were aware of the spill and contributed interesting comments to the the discussion.

If you, as a parent, teacher, or concerned adult, need some suggestions about how best to present this information to children, take a look at Ranger Rick's website. They address questions that kids ask, including concerns about the affected animals and how to deal with sad feelings.

PBSParents also has some valuable tips for discussing news in general with children, broken down by ages. Given how much exposure even the youngest children get to TV news, it's a good idea to have some strategies to help them cope, appropriate to their age and temperaments.

If the Aquarium Can't Come to Us...

2010-07-14T03:57:00.000-07:00

well, then we'll just have to be creative!

Help your child learn to read with Toon Books

2010-07-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Looking for fun books to help your child learn to read?

Toon Books for Emerging Readers are comic books that are perfect for kids learning to read. After the visual artist creates the story images, Toon Books works with reading teachers to find simple replacements for the Dolch Sight Words - a list of 220 words that must be learned in order to master the English language, but which can't be taught through pictures and/or phonics. The books are then test-read by children, and the feedback is incorporated into the final copy.

Benny and Penny in the Big No No won the 2010 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award - Columbia Pike's Youth Services Librarian Desiree Fairooz created this video teaser for the book:

Make Origami Yodas, We Did!

2010-07-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday, June 25, Tom Angleberger, author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, delighted a group of children and their adults at Central Library. Take a look!

'Ocean In Motion' Cancelled Due to Heat

2010-07-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

We're very sad to report that the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's Ocean in Motion program, which had been scheduled for Thursday, July 8, has been CANCELED.

We received news today that the cooling system in the mobile aquarium is broken, which threatens the fish (especially in this heat), and means they can't travel to see us.

Ticket holders can still participate in the 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Get Caught Reading craft program.

And beginning at 3:15 p.m. we will show movies in the Central Library Auditorium, including Finding Nemo and IMAX Under the Sea. No tickets will be required for the movies.

Do You Have a Child With a Flair for the Dramatic?

2010-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Do you know a child who would love to do something dramatic this summer? Check out the Westover Branch Library's Summer Children's Theatre Workshop, beginning July 12.

Children ages 7-11 need to register to take part in this 5-week program, during which they will memorize a script and make their own costumes for a play.

Rehearsals will take place on Monday afternoons, from 2 - 3:00 p.m. from July 12 - August 9. The performance of our play will be at Westover on August 10, at 6:30pm. This workshop is free. To register please call 703-228-0522.

If your young thespians are in the mood for books about theater, here are some suggestions (click on the title for a summary)

PICTURE BOOKS

Little Diva by LaChanze; illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Starring Miss Darlene by Amy Schwartz
Louise, the Big Cheese: Divine Diva by Elise Primavera
The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert & Sullivan by Jonah Winter ; illustrated by Richard Egielski
Hooray for Reading Day! by Margery Cuyler
A Play's the Thing by Aliki
Stagestruck by Tomie DePaola
One Dark and Dreadful Night by Randy Cecil
Moses Sees a Play by Isaac Millman
Bunny Business by Nancy Poydar
The Year I Didn't Go to School by Giselle Potter
Shrinking Violet by Carrie Best

EASY READERS

Cinder Rabbit by Lynn E. Hazen
Annie and Snowball and the Shining Star by Cynthia Rylant
Iris and Walter: The School Play (Iris and Walter series) by Elissa Haden Guest

CHAPTER BOOKS

The Tallest Tree by Sandra Belton
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
Willa By Heart by Coleen Murtagh Paratore
No Biz Like Show Biz (Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo series) by Nancy Krulik ; illustrated by John & Wendy
The Ghost in the First Row (Boxcar Children series) created by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down (Hank Zipzer, The World's Greatest Underachiever series) by Henry Winkler
The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews Edwards & Emma Walton Hamilton
Replay by Sharon Creech
Junie B., First Grader: Shipwrecked (Junie B. Jones series) by Barbara Park
Annabel the Actress, Starring in Hound of the Barkervilles by Ellen Conford
Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House series) by Mary Pope Osborne
Cam Jansen and the School Play Mystery (Cam Jansen series) by David A. Adler

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Babymouse: The Musical by Jennifer & Matthew Holm
High School Musical: Lasting Impressions by Suzanne Harper

NONFICTION

Lights on Broadway: A Theatrical Tour from A to Z by Harriet Ziefert ; with Brian Stokes Mitchell ; illustrated by Elliott Kreloff
The Jumbo Book of Drama by Deborah Dunleavy
Putting on a Show: Theater for Young People by Kathleen McDonnell
Showtime!: Over 75 Ways to Put on a Show by Reg Bolton
Break a Leg!: The Kids Book of Acting and Stagecraft by Lise Friedman

Star Spangled Books and Activities for Kids!

2010-06-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

School's out and that means it's almost time to celebrate Independence Day! If you're looking for fun books to share with your young children, here are a few suggestions:

For your newly independent reader, try Let's Go, Dear Dragon by Margaret Hillert in which a boy and his pet dragon celebrate the 4th of July.

In Saving Strawberry Farm by Deborah Hopkinson, neighbors rally during the "mean, hot summer of 1933" to save a farm.

Four mice enjoy a parade and other holiday festivities in Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts.

Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet Wong tells the story of a young Chinese-American girl who frets that no one will buy the food at her parents' Chinese restaurant that is open on July 4th.

Harriet Ziefert captures the ambiance of a small town July 4th parade in simple rhyming text and rich illustrations in Hats Off for the Fourth of July!

Another celebration of small town and family life is Happy Birthday, America! by Marsha Wilson Chall. And even her brothers' teasing can't dampen the spirits of a young girl in Phoebe's Parade.

And here are a few websites with coloring pages, craft ideas, songs, and child-friendly information for your young patriots. Check them out and have some fun!

The Dunderheads!

2010-06-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's Nico booktalking one of her favorites this year ! A great book for kids in 2nd through 4th grade!

To Make Origami Yoda, Come to the Library You Should!

2010-06-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard by now, Tom Angleberger, author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is coming to Central Library Friday, June 25 at 4pm to talk about his hilarious book and do some cool origami folding. He did a blog post about his upcoming visit to Arlington and we are so excited that he is coming!
If you are wondering what all the fuss is about, take a look at Nico's video booktalk and excited you may also get!

8 Great Children's Books for Father's Day

2010-06-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here is just a small sampling of wonderful books celebrating dads! You can find many more by checking our catalog!

In Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, a young girl and her father trek into the cold night under a full moon in search of a Great Horned Owl.

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr describes a variety of loving fathers, including those with lots of hair and those with little hair.

The father in My Dad by Anthony Browne can do many wonderful things, including "swim like a fish" and "jump over the moon!"

By an interesting coincidence, all the activities that 4-year-old Susie has planned for her dad are her favorite things to do to! Read A Perfect Father's Day by Eve Bunting with illustrations by Susan Meddaugh.

Dad shows lot of love and patience when things don't go quite as planned at the beach in Because Your Daddy Loves You by Andrew Clements, illustrated by R.W. Alley.

A young Masai boy in Africa learns about his father's unconditional love for him in Papa Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joose with illustrations by Barbara Lavallee.

A young bear recounts his daily activities, which mirror his father's activities, in Just Like Daddy by Frank Asch.

In Gues s How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney with illustrations by Anita Jeram, Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown play a bedtime guessing game involving

Do you have a favorite book about dads? Please share them with us!

Photo from Microsoft Office Online