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Authors We Love: Deborah Underwood

Posted on Monday, February 3, 2020 by Jessica S

Need a new author to follow? Try out one of my personal favorites, Deborah Underwood.

Growing up, Underwood dreamed of being an astronaut, a singer and a writer. Nowadays, she’s a published children’s book author and a singer for her local choir. While that’s only two out of three, Underwood lets outer space play a role in her books, especially in the art of some of her newer titles.

Why should you love Deborah Underwood? She’s quirky and silly, her books are fun and she always sticks to books that have a classical feel but a whole new story to tell. Underwood also picks talented illustrators to work with her, including people like Claudia Rueda, Meg Hunt and more.

Claudia Rueda’s illustrations are cute, often depicting animals. Some of her works include the “Hungry Bunny” or “Bunny Slopes” books, which feature the cutest little white bunny that gets himself in all sorts of trouble, needing the reader’s help to get out.

Meg Hunt goes a different direction with her illustrations. While the backgrounds are dark, they are offset by the brilliantly colored characters. Hunt worked with Underwood for the titles “Interstellar Cinderella” and “Reading Beauty.” As we near our Summer Reading 2020, themed “Imagine Your Story,” these titles fall wonderfully into the mix as beautifully updated versions of “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella.”

These are some of my favorite books by Deborah Underwood:

Interstellar Cinderella - Underwood, Deborah“Interstellar Cinderella” (2019) illustrated by Meg Hunt

“Interstellar Cinderella” is a magical retelling of the original “Cinderella” story. Interstellar Cinderella wants to be a mechanic and fix fancy starships. While she fixes more common appliances like dishwashers and tiny robots during the day, she studies ship repair by night. When the prince announces a space parade, Cinderella leaps at the opportunity but is marooned on a planet by her stepsisters and stepmother. With some help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is able to make it to the parade. There, she sees amazing starships that make her swoon. When the prince’s suffers a mechanical failure, Cinderella rushes to save the magnificent ship. She fixes it, goes to the ball with the Prince, but as the clock strikes midnight, she rushes home. The Prince follows and offers to marry her, but Cinderella just wants to be his chief mechanic. Continue reading “Authors We Love: Deborah Underwood”

Cozy Reads for Cold Days

Posted on Monday, January 27, 2020 by Amy

Need a little warmth to drive out the cold and snow? Then check out a few of my favorite cuddly, cozy reads for winter days.

The Thing about Yetis book cover“The Thing About Yetis” by Vin Vogel

A Great Big Cuddle book coverYetis love winter, but even yetis get tired of the frigid, snowy weather. To counteract the cold, little yeti comes up a great idea to keep his mind on sunnier things.

“A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young” written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Curl up with this playful collection of poems from best-selling children’s author and poet Michael Rosen. In this exuberant compilation, Michael Rosen invites children to joyfully celebrate sounds and the infinite possibilities of language.

Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss“Mommy Is A Soft, Warm Kiss” written by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Maggie Smith

Daddy Is a Cozy Hug book coverA child celebrates all of the wonderful things a mother can be throughout the year, from a treasure buried in summer sand to a snow-white angel gliding down winter slopes.

“Daddy Is A Cozy Hug” written by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Maggie Smith

A child celebrates all of the wonderful things a father can be throughout the year, from a wiggling fish in summer to a warm blanket in winter.

Super Sensory Bins

Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2020 by Tess

Here at the library, we love sensory bins! They’re a great way to teach kids about math, literacy and science, without them even knowing they’re learning! This evening, January 23rd, we’ll be hosting an adult workshop for how to build awesome sensory bins, but here are some additional fun ideas for you to try at home with your preschoolers! 

Junk Drawer Sort photoJunk Drawer Sort

I don’t know about you, but my family has always had one drawer in the kitchen full of random stuff. Before the annual spring sort where you throw out all the old coupons and broken rubber bands, let your kids practice their math skills by sorting the objects into categories. You’ll also have some great vocabulary conversations.

  1. Take everything out of the junk drawer, and put it in a bucket.
  2. Remove anything that’s a choking hazard if you have littles under 3.
  3. Put out a variety of bowls or containers.
  4. Let them sort based on any variety of concepts. (e.g. shape, weight, color, letter sounds, type of object)

Continue reading “Super Sensory Bins”

Upcoming Children’s Books in 2020

Posted on Monday, December 23, 2019 by Tess

Get here soon 2020, we’ve got some reading to do! It’s time for us to share some of the exciting new books coming out in 2020. Librarians everywhere are filling their shopping carts with these up-and-coming reads, so feel free to add them to your holds list!

Picture books

“No More Naps” written by Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Leo Espinsoa (Publication date: February)

It’s time for a nap, but, just like stubborn toddlers everywhere, Annalise Devin McFleece won’t have anything to do with bedtime. Dad tries to encourage sleepiness by pushing her around the park in her stroller. Along the way, they pass a man sitting on a bench, dog walkers, a boy on a skateboard, kids playing ball, a girl practicing her juggling and others. Each of them thinks that taking a nap is a great idea, and if Annalise Devin McFleece doesn’t want hers, they’ll happily take it. And one by one, everyone falls asleep…except Annalise Devin McFleece. But when she’s finally ready for her nap, all the naps are taken! Is there anyone who has an extra nap to spare? With every turn of the page, the busy city scene becomes more and more quiet…except for Annalise Devin McFleece. Will she ever take a nap?

 

“Just Like Me” by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Publication date: January)

From the author of “Grandma’s Purse,” comes a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don’t; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father. With bright portraits in Vanessa’s signature style of vibrant colors and unique patterns and fabrics, this book invites readers to find themselves and each other within its pages.

 

“Bedtime for Sweet Creatures” written by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Publication Date: January)

Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet creature into bed so that the whole family can sleep. From tigers to squirrels to snakes, the little boy dodges around his bedtime, until he is tired enough to finally sleep. His imaginative animal friends weave their way through the illustrations, eventually joining him in curling up for the night. 

Continue reading “Upcoming Children’s Books in 2020”

Best Children’s Books of 2019

Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2019 by Kristy

It’s that time of year again! The DBRL youth services staff have come up with a list of the best of the best children’s books that came out this year. Make sure to check out these awesome titles and comment below with your favorite books of 2019!

I Will Be Fierce book cover

“I Will Be Fierce” written by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani
Our young narrator takes us through her day faced with many challenges, such as standing up to a table full of bullies and feeling confident in her work. Throughout the day, she encourages herself to be confident, reach further, be kinder and stand tall by saying to herself, “Today, I will be fierce!”
~Jessica

Be a Maker book cover

“Be A Maker” written by Katey Howes, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic
The detailed illustrations in this book about creating kept my toddler and I talking night after night for over a month!
~Hilary

B is for Baby book cover

“B Is for Baby” written by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
I love how many rare “B” words this book introduces. My toddler loves that she can retell the story all by herself.
~Hilary

Here and There book cover

“Here and There“ by Tamara Ellis Smith, illustrated by Evelyn Daviddi
This story is told from the point of view of young Ivan, who is learning to accept the changes that occurred when his parents separated. I especially like the way the bright, hip illustrations complement and add to the narrative. Ivan learns that the things he loves are all around him and not only in one location.
~Aimee

Continue reading “Best Children’s Books of 2019”

Dyslexie Font for Struggling Readers

Posted on Monday, December 16, 2019 by Molly

Henry Winkler
Actor Henry Winkler

Actor Henry Winkler starred in such memorable TV shows as Happy Days, Arrested Development and Barry. Yet, when he was younger, Winkler struggled in school. He opened up about his frustration in a recent NPR interview. “I thought I was stupid…There is an emotional component, I think, that comes along with learning challenges, where I had no sense of self.” To make matters worse, Winkler said his parents blamed his underachievement on laziness, adding “I was grounded 97 percent of my high school career.” Though Winkler found his calling in acting and learned to compensate for his reading shortcoming, it wasn’t easy. “I would memorize as quickly as I could because I couldn’t read the page and act at the same time.”

At 31, Winkler was diagnosed with the learning disorder, dyslexia. Considered one of the most common language-based learning disabilities, dyslexia affects between 5-10 percent of the population, but this number could be as high as 17 percent. It is also the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.

be happy to be you bookIn 2003, Winkler released “Niagara Falls, or Does It?” Loosely based on Winkler’s life, the children’s book follows the antics of middle schooler, Hank Zipzer, who has learning challenges. To date, Winkler has written over 20 books in the popular Hank Zipzer series.

More recently, Winkler’s Here’s Hank books have been released in a new font designed to help struggling readers achieve reading success. Dyslexie Font assists readers with dyslexia by weighting words in a way that prevents them from being turned, mirrored or swapped.

Here at DBRL, we are excited to announce that we have ordered over new 20 children’s book titles, printed in Dyslexie Font, which will be available for checkout soon! Until then, please use this link to place holds, and you will be notified when they are ready to borrow.

 

Photo Credit (Actor Henry Winkler): Elvis Kennedy Photo “Henry Winkler 7” via flickr (license).

Read-Along Books

Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 by Brianna

Read-Along Books

I was always the type of kid that would be content reading quietly by myself, no matter where I was. At home, at school or out running errands with my parents, as long as I had a book, I was happy. (That’s still true, by the way!) Yet sometimes reading to yourself just isn’t enough when you want someone else to read to you!

Of course parents would love to read aloud as many books to their kids as requested, but some little book-lovers are insatiable. And parents have stuff to get done! So here’s a solution: your library now carries Read-Alongs! These wonderful books have an audio player attached, so that you can listen to the book and follow along as you go. The player has a speaker so everyone can hear or a headphone jack for private listening. No need to hunt for your practically ancient portable CD player or only listen to audiobooks in the car. Your kids can enjoy these books wherever they go! We have beloved classics like “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” and “Goodnight Moon,” as well as newer titles like “The Good Egg” and “I Am Enough.” We even have nonfiction titles like “Monster Trucks” and “Giant Pandas.” Stop by the library and pick one up today!

 

Funding for these books was provided in part by Jason Ludwig, attorney with Carson and Coil.

Children’s Books on Immigration and Refugees

Posted on Monday, November 25, 2019 by Rachel

Moving is hard for almost everyone, but it can be particularly hard for children. This is especially true if you’re moving from another country. The language, customs and even the weather can be so different from what your kids are used to. And what of their school and classmates? Will they fit in? These are hard questions, but for some children, there is an added complexity. For them, moving to a new country may mean they were forced to move due to war or a natural disaster. This topic can be difficult to explain to small and older children alike, but this selection of books about immigration and refugees should help. 

Cover of the Book, Alma and How She Got Her Name

“Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal 

This sweet picture book is about a small girl named Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela. Alma doesn’t really like her name though because, “it’s so long and never fits.” When she tells this to her father, he gently sits her down and explains her name through the history of her family in Mexico before they came to America. 

  “Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns” by Hena Khan 

Hena Khan wrote this simple yet beautiful picture book explaining Muslim words and concepts through colors. At the back of the book is a brief glossary of terms used in the Muslim faith. This is a lovely book detailing concepts that children (and adults) may have questions about. 

“Home of the Brave” By Katherine Applegate

This book, written for older children, is about Kei, a young boy from Africa who finds himself in Minnesota. Having grown up in the Sudan, Kei has never experienced a cold Minnesota winter before. War tore his family apart with only he and his mother surviving, but now she’s missing. Follow Kei as he slowly makes friends in his foster home and adjusts while he waits for news of his mother. 

For more children’s books on immigration and refugees, check out this list here.

For teen books on this subject, check out this list here. 

For helpful resources on immigration and refugees, please check out our Immigration and Refugee Services Guide. 

Check Out Cubelets Robotic Blocks!

Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2019 by Kristy

Do you love robotics, electronics, engineering and coding? If so, check out the newest library STEAM Kit: Cubelets!

What are Cubelets?

Cubelets are robotic blocks that you can snap together to form different types of robots. They are simple enough that a four-year-old can play with them but complex enough that teens enjoy tinkering with them too. Making robots with the Cubelets blocks is easy, intuitive and a lot of fun! Every Cubelets robot needs a sense block (black), an action block (clear) and a battery block (dark blue). The battery block has an on-off switch; make sure it’s on before you start to play. Just snap these blocks together and you’ve built a robot!

Cubelets

Older kids can download the apps for even more fun!

Cubelets AppCubelets App (Beginner)
The Cubelets App is your portal to new ways of playing with Cubelets using a remote control or “personality swap.” Available for Android 4.4 (KitKat) or newer, including Fire OS versions and iOS 9 or newer.

Cubelets BlocklyCubelets Blockly (Advanced)
Use Cubelets Blockly to learn how to program your own robots. Create countless new robots and behaviors with the parallel programming. Available for Bluetooth-enabled Mac, PC (Windows 10) or iPad (iOS 9 or newer).

Inspired to give Cubelets a try? Check one out from your library or bookmobile!

Read-Alouds to Warm Your Heart

Posted on Monday, November 11, 2019 by Amanda

This weeks showcasing of Building Block contenders includes fabulous books with animal characters! Wrap up in a cozy blanket, snuggle your pets and kiddos close and get ready to learn about these great reads.
The Rabbit Listened, Hello Hello and Can I be Your Dog are three animal picture books that promise to please!

“The Rabbit Listened” By Cori Doerrfeld

Taylor has built the best block tower ever, only to see it crash before his eyes. Different animals parade across the pages offering solutions to help Taylor feel better. Chicken wants to talk, Bear suggests shouting and getting angry, Elephant demands they fix the tower immediately! Taylor, sadly, does not feel like doing any of those things. Thankfully, an understanding Rabbit comes to Taylor’s aid and simply listens. Cori Doerrfeld shows the magical power of listening and empathy through this simple yet beautiful picture book. This is a must read for teaching children how to cope with their big emotions. The book also provides a powerful reminder for caregivers, sometimes simply sitting with and listening to your child is all they need.

“Hello Hello” By Brendan Wenzel

Animals leap off the pages in bright colors and patterns in Hello Hello.

If your child loves the zoo, learning about animals or is a budding scientist, “Hello Hello” by author-illustrator Brendan Wenzel is sure to please! Bright colors and rich textures fill the pages as Wenzel introduces over 90 animals to young readers. Little ones say hello to the bare-necked umbrellabird, whale shark, rainbow agana and more! The back of the book contains a helpful index with the animal’s names in order of appearance⁠—a great learning aid that makes this book a timeless educational tool. Many animals featured are endangered, near threatened or part of vulnerable populations. Wenzel suggests that learning about these animals is the first step to helping them!

“Can I Be Your Dog?” By Troy Cummings

Arfy wants a home to call his own, maybe he should write a letter!

I might be biased, but this book is my favorite on this years nominee list. Picture books with cute puppies are too adorable to pass up! Troy Cummings weaves together a heart-wrenching story featuring Arfy the homeless pup. Arfy is just a good ol’ dog in search of a home. To conduct his search, he sends letters to folks across town asking if he can be their dog. Letter after letter turns Arfy away. How can the fire department and junk yard not have any openings for such a good boy? Finally, Arfy receives a letter of his own⁠—a happy one! Who will Arfy belong to? Read to find out! This book is fabulous read aloud, as it is written in epistolary format. Each letter is typed in different fonts, lending the book to be read with a variety of voices and tones. Kids will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens to their favorite dog!

Once you have read at least five Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award nominees, help your child vote for their favorite. Voting is open to children in kindergarten and younger and goes through December. The winner will be announced in February. Will your favorite book win?

Happy Reading!