Beyond Harry Potter:Very English Reads for Kids and Teens

As the London Olympics draw near, I have been creating book displays which show many aspects of English culture, history and literature. This book display will center on books whose plots are set in England.

Teen Fiction
Smack by Melvin Burgess (YA Burgess)
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (YA Gier)
Raven's Gate: Book One of the Gatekeeper by Anthony Horowitz (YA Horowitz)
Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer (YA Meyer)
The Other Side of Truth by Bevery Naidoo (YA Naidoo)
Westminster Abby by Micol Ostow (YA Ostow)
I Conquer Britain by Dyan Sheldon (YA Sheldon)
Montmorency on the Rocks by Eleanor Updale (YA Updale)

Juvenile Fiction
The Traitors' Gate by Avi (J Avi)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (J Doyle)
One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson (J Ibbotson)
Redwall by Brian Jacques (J Jacques)
The Tail of Emily Winsnap by Liz Kessler (J Kessler)
Charlotte in London by Joan MacPhail Knight  (J Knight)
Resurrection Men by T.K. Welsh (J Welsh)

Children's Picture Book
A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubino (JE Rubino)

Going for the Gold: Kid-Friendly Olympic Websites, Crafts, and Information

Get your children ready for the upcoming London Olympics by visiting the following sites which offer simple crafts, information, and activities that are perfect for busy teachers and parents alike. 

Information for Kids about the Olympics 

http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/2012-london-olympics

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/olympics/

Olympics Coloring Pages

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/olympics_colouring_pages.htm

http://www.hellokids.com/r_483/coloring-page/sport-coloring-pages/olympic-games-coloring-pages

Preschool Olympic Lesson Plans and Activities

http://www.first-school.ws/activities/firststeps/olympics.htm 

http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/olympics/index.htm

http://www.123child.com/UBB/showthread.php?3094-Summer-Olympics-preschool-lesson-plans

http://www.kidsparkz.com/olympicgames.html

Olympic Crafts and More!

http://holidays.kaboose.com/Olympics.html/

http://www.craftjr.com/olympics-crafts/

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/medal-worthy-summer-olympics-crafts-38-printables-200000769.html

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/olympic_crafts_for_kids.htm

http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/olympicscraftsideasactivitieskids.html

http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Olympics-Theme-for-Kids.aspx

Children's Books About the Olympic Games 

http://www.amazon.com/Olympics-Sports-Activities-Childrens-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=3419

http://www.scholastic.com/resources/booklist/kids-books-on-the-olympics/

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/book-club/childrens-corner-good-books-to-help-kids-set-stage-for-summer-olympics-404849/

In a Land Far, Far Away: Fables and Folklore of England

English fairy tales and folklore offer a splash of whimsy, a dash of  magic, and an impressive array of characters ranging from dashing knights, fearsome giants to beautiful princesses. These stories have woven themselves into the American culture as English immigrants came to America in search of work, fame, fortune, or a new life. These energetic men's and women's oral traditions continue to fascinate, amaze and fulfill our need for fantasy and escape into a land of make-believe.

As we count our way down to the beginning of the London Olympic Games let us peruse some of the many volumes of exceptional folklore, fables, and yarns England has to offer.

Jack and the Beanstalk Retold by Ann Keay Beneduce (J 398.2 England Ben)
English Folktale: Edited by Dan Keding and Amy Douglas (J 398.2 England English)
The Old Woman and Her Pig: An Old English Tale by Rosanne Litzinger (J 398.2 England Lit)
Robin of Sherwood by Micheal Morpurgo (J 398.2 England Mor)
Lancelot by Hudson Talbott (J 398.2 England Tal)
The Little People's Pageant of Cornish Legends by Eric Quayle (J 398.2 England Qua)
The Maiden on the Moor by Marilyn Singer (J 398.2 England Sin)
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Marcia Williams (J 398.2 England Wil)

Getting Ready for the London 2012 Olympics Window Display

We're getting ready for the Olympics which will be in merry ole England this year with a very British window display. I used clipart from Microsoft Publisher for my "postcard" images, coloring pages from http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/london_bus_colouring_page.htm,
http://www.coloring.ws/england.htm (bobby and English map), and various other sources. The book covers featuring Olympic sporting events were reduced to 53 percent their size and the gold, silver, and bronze medals were created using shimmery card stock. I attached a white and yellow striped ribbon to each medal to complete the award-winning look. May the countdown continue!

Olympic Flag 

This is the flag of England (the red cross in the middle is called St. George's Cross). The red, white and blue Union Jack (found in my previous book display) is the flag of Great Britian (England, Scotland, and Wales). 

Double Decker Bus 

Countdown to the London Olympic Games!

Our friends across the pond are holding quite an illustrious celebration this year: The Olympics! In order to commemorate this age-old special event, I created a London/England display which shows the world the marvel that is England! Pip pip cheerio!

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!