Wednesday, January 29, 2014

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Update: Almost 150 Kids Have Signed Up!

Since we started in September 2012, almost 150 kids have signed up for the library's early literacy initiative program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! Its purpose is to encourage and support the pre-reading skills of children from birth until before they start Kindergarten.  Children do not simply learn how to read after they start Kindergarten, but instead have been prepared for reading from birth.  Early literacy skills are developed by reading to children as much as possible, but also by talking to, singing with, saying rhymes, and attending library programs with them so they are curious about both learning and reading. 

The program is as simple as it sounds: read 1000 books to your child before they start Kindergarten.  There is no timeline or end date other than the child entering Kindergarten. You will be surprised at how quickly you’ll reach the 1000 books read point going at a natural pace for both you and your child.

To join the program, a parent or caregiver registers the child in the Children’s Department Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Children’s Department staff will give them all the required materials and information they need. Parents will get support from the library along the way with help choosing books to read and early literacy tips. There will be some rewards along the way for children, including a book prize at the end. For more information contact the Children’s Department at 409-643-5983.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Groundhog Day Books

Can you believe Groundhog Day is almost here? This year, it is on Sunday, February 2. Tradition has it that if the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter before spring arrives. It’s said that if he doesn’t see his shadow, then spring will come early.
  

E CUYLER

Groundhog Stays Up Late by: Margery Cuyler
















E GIBBONS

Groundhog Day! by: Gail Gibbons
 














E HOLUB

Groundhog weather school by: Joan Holub















E MILLER

Substitute Groundhog by: Pat Miller
 


 










ER RUELLE

Great Groundhogs! by: Karen Gray Ruelle



American Library Association Announces Award Winners

The big news today in the world of children's books is that the American Library Association (ALA) announced its children's book award winners for 2014!  

Below are just some of the highlights. To view the full list of winners, click here.

 


John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
"Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures," written by Kate DiCamillo (J FIC DICAMILLO)



 




Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“Locomotive,” illustrated by Brian Floca (J 385.0973 FLOCA)





 



 Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“P.S. Be Eleven,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia (J FIC WILLIAMS)




 

 
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award recognizing an African American illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me,” illustrated by Bryan Collier (E BEATY)
 

 


 
Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:
“Niño Wrestles the World,” illustrated by Yuyi Morales (E MORALES)

Monday, January 20, 2014

Books about the Great Depression

The Great Depression was a time of historic hardship in the United States when many Americans were jobless, homeless, and hungry. Here's a few books related to this turbulent time in our nation's history.

J 370.973 GRAVES
Going to school during the Great Depression by: Kerry Graves 
 











J 973.917 GRANT
The Great Depression by: R.G. Grant














J FIC GIFF
R My Name is Rachel by: Patricia Reilly Giff

 











E WINTER
Born and bred in the Great Depression by: Jonah Winter
           

Monday, January 13, 2014

Books to Explore for National Hobby Month

Did you know that it's National Hobby Month? Do you need a new hobby? If you do, here are some out-of-the-box ideas for hobbies you can try!

J 769.56 PRICE
Cool stamps : creating fun and fascinating collections! by: Pamela S. Price











J 745.5973 Ransom
Scrapbooking just for you! : how to make fun, personal, save-them-forever keepsakes by: Candice F. Ransom










J 745.61 HALLIDAY
Creative calligraphy

     









J 793.8 BESMEHN
Juggling step-by-step











Monday, January 6, 2014

Books to Celebrate Middle Eastern Heritage Awareness Month

January is Middle Eastern Heritage Awareness Month.

E BAKER
Mirror by: Jeannie Baker
















E KHAN












E MAIR
The Perfect Gift by: J. Samia Mair















E RANIA
The Sandwich Swap by: Queen Rania