Sunday, January 30, 2011

Wiggles and Giggles all over the library! Lapsit Story time (1-2 year olds) Topic: Bedtime

It's freezing outside, so what better way to cure the baby winter blues than with a bright and interactive song and dance-filled story time. Welcome to Wiggles and Giggles Story time (Mondays at 10 am), where story time and play time are combined. We'll shake our wiggles out, sing, tell flannel board stories, read a book or two and have loads of fun. We use items such as egg shakers, streamers or bubbles to bring our story time to life. Bring your doll or teddy bear along so they can enjoy this story.

This week's story time topic is bedtime. We will bring the story time alive by reading one or two of these books: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotten.

Twinkle, Twinkle little star, we're getting ready for bedtime near and far! Why don't you join us too!

Here's a favorite sleepytime song:


Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, Twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are



Please register by calling us at 630-368-7700. 


*There is no craft during this story time. 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Create Your Own Story time: January 26th Colors Story time

Couldn't come to story time today? No need to worry. You can create the experience at home using the story time we did today.

Books
Milo Armadillo by Jan Fearnley
Balloons, Balloons, Balloons by Dee Lillegard      
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Action Song
If You're Wearing Red (Tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")

If you are wearing red, shake your head
If you are wearing red, shake your head
If you are wearing red,
Then please shake your head.
If you are wearing red, shake your head.

If you are wearing blue, touch your shoe
If you are wearing blue, touch your shoe.
If you are wearing blue,
Then please touch your shoe.
If you are wearing blue, touch your shoe.

If you are wearing green, bow to the queen.
If you are wearing green, bow to the queen.
If you are wearing green,
Then please bow to the queen.
If you are wearing green, bow to the queen.
                                                                                                     
Fingerplay
Blue Is the Lake

Blue is the lake
(point to the floor)
Yellow is the sun
(Point to the sky)
Silver is the stars,
When the day is done
(Wiggle fingers in the air)     
Red is the apple.                                                              
(Make circle with hands)                                                                  
Green is the tree,
(Raise arms over head like branches)
Brown is a chocolate chip cookie for you and me!
(Rub tummy)


Song
Making Paint Orange (Tune:"Down by the Station")


Down by the paint store
Early in the morning.
See the little paint cans
Standing in a row.


See the paint worker
mix yellow paint in red.
Stir, stir stir
Now it's orange paint-instead!


Down at the paint store
Early in the morning.
See the little paint cans
Standing in a row.


See the paint worker
Mix yellow paint into blue.
Stir, stir, stir
Now it's green paint-instead.


Down at the paint store
Early in the morning
See the little paint cans
Standing in a row.


See the paint worker
Mix blue into red.
Stir, stir, stir
Now it's purple paint-instead.


Now the paint worker mixes all the colors of the rainbow together
and guess what
he gets the brightest white in the world!


Song
O Rainbow (Tune: "O Christmas Tree")


O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?
O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?
Purple, red and orange too
Yellow, green and blue so true
O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?


*If this story time looks fun to you, why not sign up for Frosty Friends Preschool Story time Wednesdays at 4:30 pm.  Registration is required so all children may receive a craft. Register by calling the library at 630-368-7700. 

February 2nd Preschool Story time Topic: Bedtime

Tres Chic!
I'm getting sleepy, very sleepy! On Wednesday, February 2nd at 4:30 pm we will be reading books all about bedtime and singing sleepy time songs. Come on, wake up sleepyhead!

Here's a sneak peek at one of the poems we will be using and the Moon and Star Pasta Necklace craft:

The Sleepy Clock

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
Listen to the sleepy clock.
"It's time for bed,"
The clock has said.

Tuck your blanket to your chin.
Cozy up. Snuggle in.
Give a hug. Get a kiss.
We will like to go to bed like this.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
Listen to the sleepy clock.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
Tick. Tock. Tick.
 


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Teenwork, Teenwork! It's All About Teenwork: Volunteer as a Teenworker!

Do you love seeing a child's smile after helping them create a fantastic craft? Does tutoring a child with problems in math be something that you might enjoy doing? Then become a Teenworker at the library.

Our newest volunteer program was created especially for Teens who want to make a difference in the lives of children. You can choose to become a Crafty Teenworker who helps plan, implement and host children's programming or become a Brainy Teenworker who tutors children in a chosen subject. You can choose from a variety of subjects including social studies and math.

If you enjoy getting crafty with it or using your brain in an extraordinary way, call the Oak Brook Public Library Youth Services Department today at 630-368-7733 for more information.

Remember, It's all about Teenwork!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Wiggles and Giggles all over the library! Lapsit Story time (1-2 year olds) Topic: Colors


It's freezing outside, so what better way to cure the baby winter blues than with a bright and interactive song and dance-filled story time. Welcome to Wiggles and Giggles Story time (Mondays at 10 am), where story time and play time are combined. We'll shake our wiggles out, sing, tell flannel board stories, read a book or two and have loads of fun. We use items such as egg shakers, streamers or bubbles to bring our story time to life. Bring your doll or teddy bear along so they can enjoy this story time too!

This week's story time topic is colors. We will bring the story time alive by reading one or two of these books: Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd, Balloons, Balloons, Balloons by Dee Lillegard an Red Sled by Patricia Thomas. 

Are you red-dy for a very "bright" story time?

The following is an adorable action rhyme you can do at home. 

Action Rhyme

If You Are Wearing Red (Tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")

If you are wearing red, shake your head
if you are wearing red, shake your head
if you are wearing red
Then please shake your head 
if you are wearing red, shake your head. 

If you are wearing blue, touch your shoe
if you are wearing blue, touch your shoe
if you are wearing blue, 
Then please touch your shoe 
if you are wearing blue, touch your shoe. 

If you are wearing green, bow to the queen
if you are wearing green bow to the queen 
if you are wearing green, 
Then please bow to the queen 
if you are wearing green, bow to the queen. 


Please register by calling us at 630-368-7700. 


*There is no craft during this story time. 



Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Create Your Own Storytime: January 19th Dog Story time

Couldn't come to story time today? No need to worry. You can create the experience at home using the story time we did today.


Books
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills 
Zoomer by Ned Young


Movement Activity

Animals 
(Make actions which follow the rhyme) 


Can you hop like a rabbit? 
Can you jump like a frog? 
Can you walk like a duck?
Can you run like a dog? 
Can you fly like a bird?
Can you swim like a fish?
and be still like a good child, as still as this?


Fingerplay


Fleagle the Beagle 
Fleagle the Beagle! (Cup hands to mouth as if calling)
It's time for the tub! (Point t wrist watch)
I know you don't like it (Point to self to the Fleagle)
But you need a scrub!!1 (Make scrubbing motions)
I'll wash you with soap (Make scrubbing circles)
From your tail to your head (Point to tail and head)
And when you're all clean (Hold palms up)
You can sleep on my bed. (Rest head in hands)


Another Possible Song and Rhyme


Nursery Rhyme


Old Mother Hubbard
Old Mother Hubbard
went to the cupboard
to get her poor doggie a one, 
when she got there 
the cupboard was bare
so the poor little doggie had none.


Song 


B-I-N-G-O
There was a farmer had dog, 
And Bingo was name-o. 
B-I-N-G-O!
B-I-N-G-O!
B-I-N-G-O!
And Bingo was his name-o!


There was a farmer had a dog, 
And Bingo was his name-o
(Clap)-I-N-G-O!
(Clap)-I-N-G-O!
(Clap)-I-N-G-O!
And Bingo was his name-o!


There was a farmer had a dog, 
And Bingo was his name-o. 
(Clap, clap)-N-G-O!
(Clap, clap)-N-G-O!
(Clap, clap)-N-G-O!
And Bingo was his name-o!


There was a farmer had a dog, 
And Bingo was his name-o. 
(Clap, clap, clap)-G-O!
(Clap, clap, clap)-G-O!
(Clap, clap, clap)-G-O!
And Bingo was his name-o!


There was a farmer had a dog, 
And Bingo was his name-o. 
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-o!
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-o!
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-o!
And Bingo was his name-o!


There was a farmer had a dog, 
And Bingo was his name-o. 
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
And Bingo was his name-o!


*If this story time looks fun to you, why not sign up for Frosty Friends Preschool Story time Wednesdays at 4:30 pm.  Registration is required so all children may receive a craft. Register by calling the library at 630-368-7700. 

January 26th Preschool Story time Topic: Colors

Colors, colors everywhere. We're having a very colorful story time on Wednesday, January 26th at 4:30 pm  when we discover the beauty of colors. We'll be singing a rainbow of songs, fingerplays and reading lots of fun books.

Here's a sneak peek at a cute song and a "colorful" gumball machine craft:

O Rainbow (Tune: "O Christmas Tree")

O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?
O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?
Purple, red and orange too
Yellow, green and blue so true
O rainbow, o rainbow
How lovely are your colors?

What a sweet treat!


*Registration is required so that all children may receive a craft. Please call the library at 630-368-7700 to register. 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Unleash Your Inner Artist! Weekly Creative Arts Programs for Grades 3 and Up

Do you love creating new and exciting crafts? Join Ms. Mandy on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 11 am through February 19th to design fun art projects. You will work with a variety of mediums which will get your creative juices flowing. Grab a friend and get crafty with it!

*Registration is required. Register by calling the library at 630-368-7700.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Wiggles and Giggles all over the library! Lapsit Story time (1-2 year olds)


It's freezing outside, so what better way to cure the winter baby blues than with a bright and interactive song and dance-filled story time. Welcome to Wiggles and Giggles story time (Mondays at 10 am), where story time and play time are combined. We'll shake our wiggles out, sing, tell flannel board stories, read a book or two and have loads of fun. We use items such as egg shakers, streamers or bubbles to bring our story time to life. Bring your doll or teddy bear along so they can enjoy this story time too!

This week's story time topic is dogs. We will bring the story time alive by reading one or two of these books: Maggie's Ball by Lindsay Barrett George,
Spot at Home by Eric Hill or Please Take Me for a Walk by Susan Gal.

Here's our opening story time song! It really gets everybody revved up for a super story time!

Hi, Hello and How are You? (Tune: Marry Had a Little Lamb)

Hi, hello and how are you? How are you? How are you?
Hi, hello and how are you? How are you today?

Please register by calling us at 630-368-7700.

*There is no craft within this story time*





Saturday, January 15, 2011

Mole's In Love by David Bedford

I am currently in the process of revamping this blog. I am placing all my book reviews by date within the "Book Reviews" section of this site.

Please see the January 15, 2011 Mole's in Love post under the tab "Book Reviews". 

Thank you for visiting the Oak Brook Public Library Blog!

QEB Emergency Vehicles: Ambulance by Chris Oxlade

I am currently in the process of revamping this blog. I am placing all my book reviews by date within the "Book Reviews" section of this site.


Please see the January 15, 2011 QED Emergency Vehicles: Ambulance post under the tab "Book Reviews". 

Thank you for visiting the Oak Brook Public Library Blog!


Thursday, January 13, 2011

Wizardly Wonders at the Library: The Wizard's Apprentice Program February 26th at 2 pm

Wizardly ways are coming to the library! On Saturday, February 26th at 2 pm in the Meeting Room you will behold The Wizard's Apprentice. This show is a dazzling display of color, information and inspiration.

You will meet wizard's apprentice, Harriet Peabody who learns how to cast spells, perform mystical magic and the Dewey Decimal System.

Harriet's teacher, Willard the Wizard of Wisdom will enhance Harriet's and audience members knowledge of the wonderful world of books. Special effects and comedy are peppered throughout the program to cast a magical spell on the everyone. Add a  handful of live animals and you have the perfect potion for a mesmerizing show! This show is tailor made to suit all ages.

Meet the Entertainers

Tim Balster

Tim Balster knew that he wanted to become a magician at a young age. While watching Bozo's Circus on WGN,  he became entranced by the profession.

When Tim finished high school, he attended Chavez College of Magic where he was taught magic by the famous magician Neil Foster. He then went to on to Carthage College in Wisconsin.

In 1982, he became a full-time magician and performed at fairs, malls, colleges and variety shows. His performances have included card tricks to stilt walking.

Tim met his wife and business partner, Robin Balster while performing an act on ice skates. Her father was a producer who called Tim after seeing this amazing feat. He wanted Tim to perform in the show Jubilee on Ice. Little did Tim know, that his future wife was the the producer's daughter.

Tim accepted a job at an amusement park called Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea in 1990. Robin decided to become his assistant and  they later went on to marry.

The Illinois native had appeared on Wgn's  Bozo's Circus six times.

Robin Balster

Robin was born into a family of figure skaters and show producers in Fort, Lauderdale, Florida.  She has performed in ice skating shows as early as the age of five. She has appeared in shows in Trinidad and Tobago and Six Flags over Texas.

In 1986, she graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Mass Communications. She has worked in radio and television broadcasting, but her love of ice skating never left her.

She became a professional figure skater and skated with Tim in 1988 on the Jubilee on Ice tour.

Magic is also in her blood. She often assisted magicians in her family's shows. Robin's love of magic assisted her to design magic routines for Tim and herself when they worked in South Korea.

Robin choreographs dance and movement within their shows. Costumes are designed by Robin and her mother.

Tim and Robin married in 1992 and worked on the Royal Viking Cruise Line.

They now reside in Darien, Illinois and perform at Santa's Village during the summer. In 2005, the couple celebrated their thirteenth season at Santa's Village. The Balsters have performed their act in 41 states, Canada, Mexico, and beyond.

Their non-stop energy includes touring around the country performing in their own productions. These productions include Sheer Magic, Seasons Greetings, and the Wizard's Apprentice.

The couple's family includes sons Douglas, William and  a menagerie of animals including Waldo the duck and several doves. These animals perform in the Balster's shows.

*Please register for this program at the Youth Services Reference Desk or call the library at 630-368-7700.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Create Your Own Storytime: January 12th Snow Story time Books, Songs, and Activities You Can Do At Home

Couldn't come to storytime today? No need to worry. You can create the experience at home using the storytime we did today.


Books

Hooray for Snow by Kazuo Iwamura
Sam the Snowman by Susan Winget
Snow Friends by M. Christina Butler

Movement Activity

Snowy Pokey (Tune: "Hokey Pokey")

You put your right mitten in, You take your right mitten out,
You put your right mitten in and you shake it all about.
You do the snowy pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about.

Continue with additional verses:

You put you left mitten in
You put your scarf in
You put your right boot in

You put your left boot in
You put your hat in
You put your snowself in

Poem (By: Jennifer Hatcher )

Blizzard the snowman was a dapper fellow
with a big black hat with a star on his head.

A crunchy carrot for his nose
looks very yummy to all that he knows.

Blue diamond buttons completed the ensemble
which was quite fun and neat.

With two twig arms he waves to you
and says quite simply how do you do?

Movement Activity

Dance Like Snowflakes (Tune: "Are you Sleeping")

Dance like snowflakes, Dance like snowflakes
In the air, In the air,
Whirling, Twirling snowflakes, Whirling, Twirling snowflakes
Here and there, Here and there.

*If this story time looks fun to you, why not sign up for Frosty Friends Preschool Story time Wednesdays at 4:30 pm.  Registration is required so all children may receive a craft. Register by calling the library at 630-368-7700. 

January 19th Preschool Storytime Topic: Dogs

On Wednesday, January 19th at 4:30 pm preschoolers will enjoy dog-gone good story time. We will sing silly songs, read wonderful books, perform movement activities, and create a craft related to the dog theme.

Here's a sneak peek at the craft and a fingerplay:

Fleagle the Beagle (Fingerplay)

Fleagle the Beagle! (Cup hands to mouth as if calling)
I know you don't like it (Point to self)
But you need a scrub!!! (Make scrubbing motions with hands)
I'll wash you with soap (Make scrubbing circles)
From your tail to your head (Point to tail and head)
And when you're all clean (Hold palms up)
You can sleep on my bed. (Rest head in palms)

And doggie has a bone!

*Registration is required so that all children may receive a craft. Please call the library at 630-368-7700 to register.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Knife That Killed Me by Anthony McGowan

This gripping Young Adult novel is based on the author's experiences within his gritty, dog eat dog high school in Northern England.

Paul Varderman is a shy introvert who becomes entangled in a web of lies and violence with school bully, Roth and his gang.

One day, Paul is handed a package by Roth to be given to a gang leader at a warring school. After delivering the package, Paul becomes wrapped up in an evil plot he cannot remove himself from.

A knife given to Paul by Roth becomes a bond between them that will never be broken.

The chapters are written in a flashback format jumping from the present to the events that led up to the horrific incident that impacts Paul's life forever.

This story is recommended for those in grades 6 and up.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard

Mr. Putter and his pet cat, Tabby are back in an all-new adventure which will be sure to excite young readers.

Mr. Putter and Tabby are bored so they decide to call their neighbor Mrs.Teaberry. Mrs. Teaberry comes to their rescue with a fascinating new activity.

When Mrs. Teaberry arrives at their door in a sun hat and sunglasses they wonder just what kind of adventure they have gotten themselves into...

Kids will enjoy this sweet easy reader series by the author of the Henry and Mudge series.

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Importance of Story time

Story time is a fun learning experience for young children. It is a wonderful precursor to preschool and play group activities.

Some of the Reasons Why Story time is So Important
  • It allows children to enhance their vocabulary through sounds and being read to.
  • Movement activities promote gross motor skills (ex. jumping, hopping, skipping etc.)
  • Shape and colors come alive through the use of flannel boards and games. 
  • Books and songs which repeat phrases help children improve their memory and thinking skills. 
  • Enables children to learn vital life skills such as cooperation, sharing and patience. 
  • Crafts promote creativity and fine motor skills (ex. pasting, cutting etc.)
  • Rectifies routine activities. Children will know that on a certain day they will be going to story time. 
  • Songs provide an introduction to music and movement. 

Sign-up today for story times at 630-368-7700.

*See New Year, New Times for Story Times (1/3/11) post for more detailed information on our story times. 

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Heads by Matthew Van Fleet


Who doesn't love feel and touch/movable parts books? You'll encounter many wild animals in this adorable children's book filled with pull tabs.

The pull tabs invite the reader to delve deeper into the animals they depict. Children will learn about the differences in many animals head shapes, noses etc. Some of the scenes are funny, while others are true to life.

Toddlers will giggle at the cute, cuddly animals and feel and touch spots spread throughout. A beautiful book for story time or anytime.

Too Busy Marco by Roz Chast

Marco the parrot is a dreamer whose dreams cannot be hampered by sleep. Marco dreams about inventing unique inventions, painting underwater, skateboarding and many other pursuits.

Page after page shows Marco refusing to go to bed due to his daydreaming. It's hard not to fall in love with this endearing character.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

January 12th Preschool Story time Theme: Snow

On Wednesday, January 12th at 4:30 pm preschoolers will enjoy a very "snowy" story time. We will sing silly songs, read wonderful books, perform movement activities and create a craft related to the snow theme.

Here's a sneak peek at our craft and movement activity:

Snowy Pokey

You put your right mitten in, You take your right mitten out,
You put your right mitten in and you shake it all about.
You do the snowy pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about.

Continue with additional verses:

You put you left mitten in
You put your scarf in
You put your right boot in

You put your left boot in
You put your hat in
You put your snowself in

Craft-Paper Snowman Wall Hanging


Snowflake the Snowman says hi!

*Registration is required so that all children may receive a craft. Please call the library at 630-368-7700 to register.

Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

It's Fly Guy and Buzz Boy to the rescue in the newest book of the Fly Guy easy reader series. Buzz has written a book starring his trusty pet, Fly Guy and himself as superheros.

Fast paced action awaits young readers as Fly Guy and Buzz Boy (Buzz) battle evil pirates who have stolen their home and placed it in a dragon's lair.

Will Buzz Boy and Fly Guy be able to save their home from the pirates? What about the scary dragon? Read this adorable book to find out.

Boys will especially love the superhero theme and brightly colored cartoon strip style illustration.

Arnold once again shows that he is one "super" writer.

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Year, New Times for Story Times

First off, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy new year. Times are changing in the Youth Services Department. Story time times that is! We have created two time slots for some of our programs which allows greater convenience to our patrons. We have also changed Wiggles and Giggles, our program for 1-2 year olds to an earlier time and Frosty Friends to a later time slot.

Wiggles and Giggles for children ages 1-2 years is on Mondays at 10 am. This story time allows parents and children to interact through stories, dance, songs, and books within a play group setting. Story times begin January 10th and run through February 14th. (No craft)

Frosty Friends for preschoolers is on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and includes stories, songs and a simple craft. Story times begin January 12th and run through February 16th.

Curl up with a Good Book for Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders is on Mondays at 5 and 7 pm. The children will enjoy a story or two and embellish it with a creative craft. Story times begin January 10th and run through February 14th.

Art Fun for 3rd grade and up on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 11 am. This program stresses artistic creativity. The children will be inspired to work on projects related to literature using varying media. January 11th through February 19th.

Please visit the library or call us at 630-368-7700 to register for these programs. Registration is required so that all children will be able to create a craft.

The weather may be frightful, but the library is so delightful. Come in and enjoy our many story time and art programs.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (Adult Fiction Title)

I am currently in the process of revamping this blog. I am placing all my book reviews by date within the "Book Reviews" section of this site.


Please see the January 3, 2011 Mini Shopaholic post under the tab "Book Reviews".

Thank you for visiting the Oak Brook Public Library Blog!