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Friday, December 30, 2011

Kids Love the Web



Looking for fun and educational websites for kids? The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), which is a division of the American Library Association, just launched a fantastic, newly-designed resource: Great Websites for Kids.



The site compiles exemplary websites geared to children from birth to age 14 and are selected by a committee of librarians from around the country. To help narrow down the many choices and select only the best of the best, the committee uses the following guidelines (adapted from the Great Websites for Kids Selection Criteria):

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Storytime Rocks!


It's that time again!  Story Time!! 

I often get questions from parents and grandparents about which story time best suits their child.  Here are some guidelines when deciding.

Little Listeners

This is a fantastic, high-energy, BUSY program!  We have children anywhere from 3 months to 5 years that attend one of our Monday sessions.  We do not read any books, but instead we focus on literacy through music, rhymes, fingerplays and songs.  This class is repetitive, as professionals agree that this is the best way for young children to learn and they thrive on routine.  You'll quickly get the hang of this class and hear favorites such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "The Wheels on the Bus."  This is a great opportunity for children to begin socialization.  The success of this program depends on parent participation and is an excellent time to bond with your child.

I Am 3!

This storytime is a transitionary program for children who are at least 3 years old.  It is a 1/2 hour class in which we read short, repetitive stories, sing songs and learn new fingerplays.  Afterwards, the children will make a simple craft.  Parents are invited to join their child if they are new to the class, but our goal is to get the children to attend on their own.

Book Buddies

This story time is perfect for the 4,5 & 6 year old child.  It is a bit longer, usually 45 minutes.  We will typically read about 3 picture books, and also sing some fun songs.  We will end with a craft that is related to our theme.  This class is for the independent child who can sit for an extended period of time on their own.

Family Bedtime Stories

This is our evening program that usually follows the same format as Book Buddies.  Parents are required to attend with their children, and it is open for ages 2 and up.

We hope that you will join us for a program this winter!!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Easy Readers? Hard to understand!




Understanding Leveled or Easy Readers
One of the most asked question for a children's librarian is how to find books in a child's reading level. Parents, caregivers, and children will frequently come to us with a Leveled Reading list or instructions from their teachers to find books for AR (Accelerated Reading).

Here are a few ways to find great books for your child:

1. Ask a Children's Librarian.

We pride ourselves on knowing great children's literature and enjoy making recommendations. We will usually begin by asking you or your child what kinds of books you've read recently and whether those books felt "just right" or not. We can help you find similar titles, ones that are a little harder, or a little easier.



2. Check out our Easy Reader section.
For children just learning to read on their own, a great place to browse is in our Easy Reader area.  These books, also known as beginning readers, are designed to help newly emerging readers recognize common vocabulary, anticipate rhyming words, construct meaning through carefully placed illustrations, and build confidence. These are arranged by Levels 1-3.  Our books will typically have the AR point value and reading level written on the inside front page. 


3. Use the Five Finger Rule.

What do the levels really mean? It can be frustrating for both parents and children to locate books on their assigned reading level. Oftentimes, the lists given to parents contain titles that are out of print or unavailable.

One simple and effective way to judge whether any given book is too hard or too easy is The Five Finger Rule. Here's how it works:



- Ask your child to start reading a page from the book. Anytime they come to a word that they cannot pronounce or don't understand, hold up a finger.



- One finger means the book in question is probably too easy.



- Four or five fingers means the book in question is probably too hard.



- Two or three fingers means the book is probably JUST RIGHT.

Happy Reading!

Monday, September 19, 2011

It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!



Don't ask me where they come up with this stuff, but today it's time to say "AARGH!"  We're celebrating with Pirate Storytime this Wednesday and Thursday, and you can stop by the library and check out one of these great books!  Click on the image for catalog information.





           





Or find a ton more at the library!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

September is Hispanic Heritage Month!


Spanish is becoming an increasingly prevalent language in the United States.  Why not check out one of our bi-lingual books to share with the kids, a Spanish-English picture dictionary, or an excellent children's book by a Hispanic author?

Here are a few great picks:

Rubia and the Three Osos

What Can You Do With a Paleta?

The Gingerbread Man= El Hombre Pan de Jengibre

My Room= Mi Cuarto

DK First Spanish Picture Dictionary

Esperanza Rising

Josefina Learns a Lesson

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Happy Birthday....


Roald Dahl!  One of my all-time favorite authors.  If you aren't familiar, he's the genius behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Fantastic Mr. Fox.  Kids love him and you will, too!  Some of my favorites are Mathilda, The Twits and George's Marvelous Medicine.  Stop by the Children's Department and I'll tell you more about them!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Grandma, Mimi, Nonni, Nana, Grammy



Today is National Grandparents Day.  Why not have your little write a special letter to one of their favorite people, or ask them what their favorite book was as a child!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Happy Birthday....


Jack Prelutsky!  He's one of my favorite children's poets, and kids LOVE his stuff!  He's silly and quirky.  Here's an excerpt from "Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face:"



Be glad your nose is on your face,

not pasted on some other place,

for if it were where it is not,

you might dislike your nose a lot.



Imagine if your precious nose

were sandwiched in between your toes,

that clearly would not be a treat,

for you'd be forced to smell your feet.

Stop by the library and check out some of his awesome, silly poetry collections!







Saturday, September 3, 2011

Stuffed Animal Sleepover 2011


Each summer we have a slumber party for our patron's favorite furry friends. This year we had a great time and so many new friends were made!





Big Bunny was taking over Miss Megan's desk!

Doggy was caught sneaking a late night snack!

The whole crew!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Did you know...


September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!  Hopefully you already have this all-important piece of plastic, but just in case you don't, it's a piece of cake to get!  Just stop by the library with a picture ID and you'll receive your card right away.  Don't forget to tell your friends and family and bring the little one into for their first card as soon as they turn 3!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Dudes Read!

As a mom of two sons, I know that it's not always easy to find books that engage and entertain them, especially when reading competes with sports, video games and friends.  Working in the library, I've noticed alot of boys are into non-fiction titles, and I wanted to share a few awesome series that you may want to check out for the little dudes in your life!  WARNING:  these books are gross...boys like gross. :)


Behold...The Fact Finders Disgusting History Series.  I warned you.  These are really gross, but full of historical facts that kids will be riveted by!











Is That a Fact? Series  These are terrific for de-bunking popular gross-out urban legends.  Colorful pictures, simple 2-page spreads AND they are AR!









Friday, August 26, 2011

Is your little one leaving the nest?



One of the hardest parts about being a parent is letting your kids go, and we all get the first taste of that when they start school.  Sometimes I think it's harder for us than it is for them!  We have two fantastic programs coming up..."I'm Going to Preschool" on Monday, August 29th @ 10:30 AM and "I'm Going to Kindergarten on Tuesday", August 30th @ 10:30 AM.  You can register for them here.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Is it really over?


Summer is ending.  Really!  I'm sure you're all busy with back-to-school shopping and squeezing any last-minute pool time in.  Stop in to see me at the library if you have a few free minutes!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Cancellation

PATRON PET SHOW CANCELLED-- Due to the heat advisory, we are unfortunately cancelling this event that was scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, July 22 at the Moon Township Public Library. We hope to reschedule at a later date and apologize for any inconvenience.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Mark Your Calenders!

We are in the midst of planning a HUGE event to mark the end of this year's Summer Reading Club.  It will take place on Saturday, August 27th from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Details coming soon!!!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Science in the Summer Sign-Ups Have Begun!



It's one of our most popular programs and sign-up day has arrived! 

GlaxoSmithKline and the Carnegie Science Center will be bringing their wildly popular Science in the Summer program to Moon Library again! This year's theme is Chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry changes different states of matter. They will grow crystals, experiment with dry ice and perform various experiments with reactions that will delight and amaze. Students will receive safety glasses, lap aprons and activity books. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion at a ceremony that families will be invited to attend.




PLEASE KEEP IN MIND WHEN DECIDING TO PARTICIPATE: STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL FOUR CLASSES ON AUGUST 1ST-4TH. GRADES 2-4 AT 9:30 AM GRADES 4-6 AT 11:00 AM.



THIS IS AN EXTREMELY POPULAR AND IN-DEMAND PROGRAM. REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Attention Moms

Although I talk mostly children's books on our blog, I wanted to let you in on a little secret.  You deserve to enjoy a good book of your own!  I applaud all parents out there who are reading to their little ones, but sometimes we forget to tend to our own literary needs.  I often have people ask me about what books I've read lately, and often times they are surprised at my answer.  I love YA.  Young Adult.  Seriously!  You have to give this genre a try.  Some of the best books that I've read are written for a teen audience.  You can find anything from romance to coming-of-age, mystery to dystopian worlds, fantasy to humor.  I don't tend to read the "teeny-bop" stuff, but if you haven't checked out these books, you really should.

I have to cut this list short, as I'll go on for pages and pages, but here are a few of my favorites:

The book thief / by Markus Zusak.

Shiver / Maggie Stiefvater.

An abundance of Katherines / John Green.

Between shades of gray / Ruta Sepetys.

The rock and the river / Kekla Magoon.

Revolution / Jennifer Donnelly.

Wintergirls / Laurie Halse Anderson.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Get Trackin'!


We have officially kicked off our 2011 Summer REading Club and I want to congratulate all of those who are participating this year!  You can track your hours online simply by going to http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=moon!  You are welcome to come into the library and sign up if you haven't already.

Good Luck and Keep Reading!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Children's Books Are Everywhere This Summer!

by Florence Atwater (Author) Mr. Popper's Penguins (Paperback)

One of my favorite children's classics is Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater.  This book is hilarious and super sweet, a perfect read-aloud for the family.  Now you can catch Jim Carrey in the title role in the motion picture release on June 17th!
Mr. Popper's Penguins Poster

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Judy Moody Goes Hollywood!!



So, in case you haven't heard...Miss Judy Moody is set for her own big screen debut this summer on Friday, June 10th!  What a great way to spend the night before our HUGE Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!!!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

We're Still Here!

One of the bad things about our break to prepare for Summer Reading is that I miss seeing all of my library kids!  We may not have storytime at the moment, but there is still lots to do at the library!  Stop by and say hi to Miss Megan and the Library Frogs, Captain Underpants and Fancy Nancy!  Mondays are Kinder Krafts between 10-2.  Just drop in and grab a make or take craft for you and the little one.  Don't miss out on ABC Play, which is open Fridays from 10-12 upstairs in the Sky Room.  No registration is necessary.
So, don't be a stranger!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

My New Favorite Little Lady


I wanted to introduce you all to my very favorite new book character, Chamelia.  She is the star of her first book by Ethan Long.  Chamelia is a chameleon, and although most chameleons like to blend in, Chamelia prefers to stand out. She just loves being the center of attention. She is absolutely fantastical!  Come to the library and meet her for yourself!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's That Time Of Year Again!


Starting on June 1st, you can pre-order your children's Vacation Kits.  Simply fill out a form, available at the library, and drop it off at the library or email it to me at goodem@einetwork.net.  Here are few FAQ's about the kits:

1.  Kits are available for children ages 3-12.
2.  Kits include books, music CD's, books on CD, DVD's, activity sheets and small treats.  You choose which of these materials you would like included.
3.  All kits are checked out for 3 weeks from your pick-up date. 
4.  Kits MUST be requested at least 1 WEEK PRIOR to desired pick-up date.
5.  We will do our best to include items specifically chosen for your child's interests and hobbies.
6.  Please give as much detail as possible regarding child's interests.
7.  ALL books, cd's, dvd's must be returned to your library by the due date or normal fines apply.  Activity sheets, treats and bags are for you to keep.


Happy travels!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Way back in 1882...

On this date, The Brooklyn Bridge first opened!  Try out one of these great reads about this historic structure!

Twenty-One Elephants by Phil Bildner (2004) is about a little girl who grows up watching the bridge being built. 



Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse (2008) is the story of 1903 Brooklyn and fourteen-year-old Joseph Michtom's life changes for the worse when his parents, Russian immigrants, invent the teddy bear and turn their apartment into a factory, while nearby the glitter of Coney Island contrasts with the dismal lives of children dwelling under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Happy Birthday Margaret Wise Brown!

Today is Margaret Wise Brown's birthday!  Thanks to her we have Goodnight Moon, Big Red Barn and The Friendly Book among countless others. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

You're Caught!

Did you know that May is Get Caught Reading Month?  We dare you!

Monday, May 16, 2011

How do you read?

When my oldest child was little and I had the privilige of being a stay-at-home mom, we would read for hours on end.  We took two weekly trips to the library and would bury ourselves under stacks of picture books on fun afternoons.  With the popularity of ebooks, Kindles and the like, I wonder how the face of reading is changing for parents and little ones.  Has this technological movement affected your reading habits with your children? 

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Bubble Gum Blast!

We had a pretty fantastic time at the library today!  Kids in grades 1-5 were invited to come to our Bubble Gum Blast program.  We had a taste test with about a gazillion different flavors of gum.  We played pin the gum on the wall, had a guessing game, made sculptures out of chewed gum, had a bubblegum hunt and had a bobbing for bubblegum contest...in whipped cream.  All in all...a sticky success!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Don't you miss us??

Can't remember where you put your little one's winter hat?  Where did that darn jacket go?  Many sleepless nights because a favorite stuffed friend is missing?  Check out our lost and found!  We've got clothing, toys, sunglasses, purses, you name it.  Just check at the Circ Desk...we'd love to reunite you two!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

We're display crazy!


Here in the Moon Township Public Library's Children's Department, we are all about displays.  We have several going on at any given time, and they've become a highlight of our area.  "Miss Megan's Picks" feature books that I'm loving at the moment or in moment's past.  We have a new books display which showcases titles that we've added within the last month or so.  Next door to that we have a rotating feature display which is currently all about Sports Nuts.  Hop on over to our picture book section where we have a seasonal display of books, a superhero display and another rotating display on various topics.  Check us out!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Is that SUNSHINE I see???

It's been pretty super fantastically wonderful to see all of the kiddies coming into the library in shorts and sandals.  I think we're headed into summer...and you know what that means!  Our Summer Reading Club is going to be massive this year!  We will be travelling the globe with One World, Many Stories.  We're having programs galore and more fun than you can shake a stick at!  Keep your calender clear for Saturday, June 11th...our annual Kick-Off Celebration.  It's gonna be big!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Battle of the Books 2011

We had an awesome Battle of the Books this year with over 30 teams from Moon and Rhema 5th grades.  It is very encouraging to see so many children this enthusiastic about reading!  Can't wait for next year!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Check it out!

Think there's nothing new to do around town?  Think again!  Check out this awesome website for some great information on kids in da 'burgh!


http://pittsburghiskidsburgh.com/

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Mouse Story Time!

We had an absolute blast today at our Stories & Songs 2&3 year old story time.  We read about some sneaky little squeakers, did some fun fingerplays and wiggled ourselves silly.  Afterwards we made these adorable mouse masks.  Super fun!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Baton Twirling 101

What an amazing way to bring in Spring!  We had a baton twirling class on the lawn of the library today.  We saw people in shorts...SHORTS!

Happy Soon-To-Be-Spring everyone!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Meet RC!


Summer Reading at the library has a new face!  Meet RC (short for Reading Creature...pretty clever, eh?).  You'll be seeing lots of him cropping up on websites, billboards and everything library!  This cool little dude is here to remind you that this summer, the library is THE place to be!