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Brianna’s Books: January Favorites 2023

Posted on Thursday, January 5, 2023 by Brianna

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Let’s welcome in the new year with some new books! I’ve got some really fun ones for you. Don’t forget to check our catalog for digital versions if you’d prefer not to venture out in the cold!

Picture Books

“Very Good Hats” written by Emma Straub and illustrated by Blanca Gómez 

Just about anything can be a hat! Bowls, pants, books — the possibilities are endless! And hats aren’t only defined as something that goes on your head. Acorns make great hats for fingers, and obviously, roofs are hats for houses. Some hats are temporary, like bubbles in the bath or leaves falling from trees. Some hats might surprise you, like a warm cat on your head in the winter. My toddler adores hats, so I’m looking forward to sharing this with him later. Sometimes when he brings me a shoe, I place it on my head and ask if it’s a hat. Giggles ensue as he snatches it off my head and places it on my foot. Yet after reading this book, the answer might just be, “Why not?”

“This Little Kitty” written and illustrated by Karen Obuhanych

I love kitties, but I am sometimes glad that I only have a dog. Especially when I see all the mischief kitties get up to! There are five little kitties in this book, and their day is full of delightful destruction. Kitties claw up curtains, nap in hanging potted plants and spill kibble all over the floor. But obviously, they’re impossibly cute the entire time! We see the occasional hand or leg of their humans, who seem thankfully unconcerned by all the kitten antics. This is sure to please littles who love cats!

Chapter Books

“Harmony and Heartbreak” by Claire Kann

I feel like I tend to highlight more serious chapter books, so this time I’ve got frothy escapism for you! Honestly, I’ve been really enjoying reading some lighter, feel-good books lately, and this one definitely fits the bill. Cousins Rose and Cora live in their family’s hotel in San Francisco, and are busy perfecting their magical skills to become Matchmakers. Each of them has magic that’s used to help compatible people make connections and fall in love. Now they’re being offered a chance to face the tests that will advance them to the next level of Matchmaking, but they have to do it alone. The tests are designed specifically for their weaknesses, and if they fail both tests, they could lose their magic. A bit of drama, a magic system I hadn’t seen before, and a belief in the power of love. There’s a lot to enjoy in this series starter!

“Dragonboy” by Megan Reyes

In case you’re not in the mood for a rom-com, let’s finish out with an epic fantasy! Haven has been at war for generations, with each side taught to hate and fear the others. Wren’s people use magic and live alongside the dragons, while Shenli’s people abhor magic. Blue was transformed into a dragon after sacrificing for his loved ones, and River leaves a prestigious position as Lead Harvester to travel with him. These four preteens are brought together by Fate so they can end the war and heal their country. But they have thick layers of lies and misconceptions to work through so they can begin to work together and trust one another. Written from each of their perspectives, this debut book expertly balances fascinating worldbuilding, action and humor. Be warned, this is a series starter as well, and it will certainly leave you eager for the next book.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve With a DIY Time Capsule

Posted on Monday, December 26, 2022 by Beth

One of the most exciting — and daunting — parts of being a parent or caregiver is realizing that you have the opportunity to create new rituals for your family. I grew up cringing every New Year’s Day as my dad ate the ceremonial herring, a tradition I happily partake in now. 

2022 has been full of highs and lows, but the clear highlight of my year has been experiencing the joy of cozy family life, marveling at how much my kids (ages 2 and 5) have changed in just 365 days. Inside jokes, new preferences, favorite places and activities — both kids constantly surprise and delight me. The routine minutiae of our everyday lives feel so deeply familiar to us right now, but I know my memory of the details will fade, especially as they get replaced by new rhythms, routines and perspectives. 

We decided to mark the passing of time and the anticipation of a new calendar year by making our own family time capsule. This is an easy activity for all ages and there are so many ways to customize it for your family or chosen family. 

Start off by gathering your materials.

In addition to the jar or box, you’ll need Modge Podge, sponge brushes and capsule decoration supplies – we used photos, original artwork and tissue paper.

Continue reading “Celebrate New Year’s Eve With a DIY Time Capsule”

Tie-Dyed Tissue Paper

Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2022 by Robyn

Whether the holidays you celebrate are about to amp up or have settled down, here’s a craft to get kids thinking outside the box any time of the year. All you need is tissue paper, food coloring and a dash of imagination to create colorful patterns of shareable art.  Use your handmade, tie-dyed tissue paper to wrap presents, stuff into gift bags, hang on the wall or something else. Scroll down to get started!

Continue reading “Tie-Dyed Tissue Paper”

Gingerbread Dough Sensory Bin

Posted on Monday, December 12, 2022 by Laura

‘Tis the season for holiday baking — cakes, pies, breads and best of all, cookies! My mom has quite the extensive cookie cutter collection. One of my favorite holiday traditions growing up was sorting through all the fun shapes then baking and decorating until we had enough cookies to last us through February! 🍪

If your little one’s not quite ready to take part in the flurry of holiday baking, or you’re just on the lookout for a fun winter break activity, may I introduce the magic of the gingerbread dough sensory bin! The recipe is adapted from the blog Sugar, Spice and Glitter. Although flour and oil don’t make for a particularly tasty snack, this dough is safe for little ones to munch on. Plus, all that gingerbread-y goodness smells HEAVENLY! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own gingerbread dough: Continue reading “Gingerbread Dough Sensory Bin”

Questions & Answers: In Defense of Curiosity

Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2022 by Grae

A detail from the picture book JUST BECAUSE by Mac Barnett, featuring 17 or more overlapping circles of various colors and sizes. Each circle contains a question nestled inside, such as "How big was a woolly mammoth?" and "What is the moon?"
Detail from the pages of Mac Barnett’s picture book “Just Because.” In the story, a child puts off bedtime by asking their parent big questions, like “why is the ocean blue?” and “what is the rain?” Their parent responds tenderly, with some surprising answers.

As the winter holidays approach and 2022 comes to a close, there are many emotional experiences to reflect on and cultivate, as I and some of my brilliant coworkers have written about previously: kindness and gratitude; community and belonging; celebration and consolation. This year I’d like to add another entry to that list: curiosity.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the old saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I heard this proverb over and over as a child and took it as a kind of grotesque warning that people (and felines and maybe some canines, too) should mind their own business OR ELSE. It wasn’t until I was older, after graduating high school, that I stumbled upon a complementary rejoinder that opens the phrase up to a more encouraging reading: “Curiosity (may have) killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.” Continue reading “Questions & Answers: In Defense of Curiosity”

Brianna’s Books: Favorites from 2022

Posted on Monday, December 5, 2022 by Brianna

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It’s the end of the year, and I feel like there are so many books I never got to tell you about! So this month I decided to share some of my favorite books that came out earlier this year. That means you don’t have to wait for the release date, so find these on the shelves or check out a digital version and enjoy!

Picture Books

“The Big Worry Day” written by K.A. Reynolds and illustrated by Chloe Dominque

You may think that there have been a lot of books about dealing with anxiety lately, but this one has a PUPPER! And more ways to talk about working through anxiety are always welcome. The little girl in this story claims that her dog worries just like she does. Their only agenda is to go outside and play, but there are so many things the narrator worries could go wrong. Together they tackle their day using various strategies like breathing and thinking of their favorite things. (The dog’s thought balloon prominently features the little girl, which is ADORABLE.) There’s a sweet and helpful author’s note in the back that talks about working through anxiety. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: Favorites from 2022”

Handprint Calendar 2023

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2022 by Erin

Handprint art in the shape of a Cardinal

I cannot believe that the new year is almost here!

The library is continuing our tradition of providing a handprint calendar just for you! Not only do these calendars make great gifts, but they are also a handy way to document family milestones.

Download the 2023 Calendar! Print on cardstock for the best results.  

To set yourself up for success, we recommend collecting your supplies beforehand:

Below are tips from a seasoned handprint calendar creator!

  • If you’re using paint or stamp pads, work near a sink and have plenty of wet wipes!
  • Work on this project over multiple short sessions to allow the pages to dry.
  • Here is a Pinterest Board full of ideas to tailor your project to your personality.

We hope you enjoy the process as much as the product!

Virtual Activity Bundle: Kindness Counts

Posted on Monday, November 14, 2022 by Laura

Virtual Activity Bundle Kindness CountsThe holiday season is quickly approaching, and this time of year is all about spreading warm, fuzzy feelings like kindness, gratefulness and generosity. There’s no better time to emphasize these year-round virtues, as the holidays offer a multitude of tangible ways to point out and practice kindness with our children. As Dr. Patty O’Grady, an expert in positive psychology and childhood development, puts it: “kindness changes the brain by the experience of kindness. Children and adolescents do not learn kindness by only thinking about it and talking about it. Kindness is best learned by feeling it so that they can reproduce it.” Research shows that kids who regularly practice and experience kindness have higher self-esteem, better physical and mental health and stronger relationships with their peers. Furthermore, they are much less likely to engage in bullying behaviors.

It’s clear that kindness is a crucial factor in growing happy, healthy kids. This virtual activity bundle is full of eBooks, songs and videos for creating an ongoing conversation about kindness, as well as some fun activities to put these skills into action! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Kindness Counts”

Creatures of the Night

Posted on Monday, October 24, 2022 by Robyn

It’s almost that most magical time of make-believe. (I may be biased!) If you celebrate Halloween, chances are, you will come across all sorts of ghostly and ghoulishly costumed creatures — as well as many adorable ones. As leaves crunch underfoot and the crescent moon glows overhead, I invite you and your kids to think of the original creatures of the night — bats, owls, raccoons and other nocturnal animals. The books highlighted below include a mix of naturalistic and whimsical stories to share with your little ones any time of year!

"Night Animals" by Gianna Marino

“Night Animals” by Gianna Marino

This suspenseful yet comedic read-aloud really lets you ham it up for your kids. Possum is hiding from other nocturnal animals’ strange and spooky sounds (oh, the irony!) when along comes raccoon and they decide to hide together. The spooky sounds continue, and bigger and bigger animals join the group until the spookiest creatures of all — humans — send everyone running.

Continue reading “Creatures of the Night”

Spooky Spider Snacks

Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2022 by Katie

Have you ever seen a snack too cute to eat? What about a snack that entices little ones to try a nibble? Recently I saw a few ways to make spider snacks and fell in love with how adorable they are for the spooky season and how you can change how they look and taste so quickly.

Continue reading “Spooky Spider Snacks”