Hooray! Summer is almost here! Whether you and your family plan to spend the next few months traveling to exotic places, basking on a tropical beach or simply enjoying the occasional backyard BBQ, summer is the best time to rest, relax and read. For this reason, books are as essential as sunscreen.
But with so many books to choose from, selecting something to read can be challenging, especially for children. When this happens, some adult guidance can go a long way. One fun way parents can help is by suggesting a theme. Pick out books with your kids on topics such as animals, sports, nature, camping or travel. Be creative!
“Opposites” is a theme that I particularly like to use. In this case, have your children look for two books, each with opposite words in the titles. Some examples you might consider are–up and down, in and out, north and south or rich and poor. To get you started, here’s a list of books I came up with using the opposites hot and cold. Continue reading “Rest, Relax and Read!”
Summer is the perfect time to challenge your body with physical activities like sports and games. It’s also a great time to challenge your mind with some awesome summer reads. This year, we get to celebrate the combination of these two seemingly opposite things with the Summer Reading theme “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” Let’s kick off the summer with suggested reads that will help us become rabid readers and knock out the summer brain drain. Registration for all ages begins on June 1. Now, on your mark, get set, READ!
Did you know that we’ve compiled book lists specifically about our Summer Reading theme, “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read”? These home run reads are all about movement, sports and games. We have print copies of the book lists at our library branches, but you can also access them online! Continue reading “Summer Reading 2016 Book Lists”
With the changing of the seasons we have a new group of award nominees in the children’s sections of our libraries, all with shiny new orange stickers and ready for Summer Reading! This might leave you wondering about the 2015-16 award nominees with the purple stickers. Where did they go? Which books won? Have no fear! We have several copies of each title; they just been moved to their permanent homes in the regular stacks. If you are interested in which 2015-16 nominees won, read on!
Missouri Building Block:“Naked!” written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
This a hilarious story is about a youngster who discovers the only thing more fun than running around wearing nothing is running around wearing nothing but a cape.
Show Me Readers Award:“Trouper” by Meg Kearney, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.
A three-legged dog remembers his time as a stray before he was adopted. Continue reading “2016 Book Champions!”
Thanks to all our patrons for making this summer such a memorable one. “Every Hero Has a Story” has been one of our more popular Summer Reading themes, and kids, parents and employees showed their enthusiasm at all our branches.
If you have read any of my other blog posts, you might have noticed my love of fairy tales. Classics, twisted, retold… they are all wonderful in my eyes. When I saw “Super Red Riding Hood,” by Claudia Dvaila, I knew I had to read it. Not only does it tell a new version of Red Riding Hood, but its superhero theme is perfect for this year’s Summer Reading program.
I’m glad I took the time to check out this story – it means I can share this delightful story about a young girl, Ruby, who is actually Super Red Riding Hood! When Ruby puts on her cape and red boots, she becomes a superhero capable of amazing things. Her super traits help her successfully complete her mission into the woods and even make a new friend. Continue reading “Books We Love: Super Red Riding Hood”
Our library hosted its first Cosplay Costume Con in Columbia on Wednesday, July 22. All ages participated, from a teeny, tiny Superman baby to a Mizzou professor dressed as Edward Scissorhands. Brandy Cross, co-owner of Distant Planet Comics & Collectibles, volunteered to help myself and another staff member judge the costume contest. In addition to the catwalk antics of young and old, friends and strangers posed together in front of our cityscape photo op.
Hooray! Summer is almost here! Whether you and your family plan to spend the next few months traveling to exotic places, basking on a tropical beach or simply enjoying the occasional backyard BBQ, summer is the best time to rest, relax and read. For this reason, books are as essential as sunscreen.
