Note: I’m starting to write my favorites of 2020 posts. If you’ve ever spotted my recommendations on Storytime Underground’s Facebook page, you’ll notice that I sometimes struggle to limit these sorts of lists. (There will be multiple. Of course.) I’m thinking that they will go live on Sundays? We will see. I read so much this year, and there are still so many more books in my TBR piles.
Make sure to stop by on Tuesdays for short reviews of some of these titles!
Stats for the Week:
29 Books Read This Week
20 Books with Diverse Main Character (69%)
13 Books by Diverse Authors (45%)
12 Books by Own Voices Authors (41%) (to the best of my knowledge)
I’m starting to miss seeing the baby’s reactions. I know many people have been saying that for months, but I genuinely don’t mind–and in some ways really enjoy–virtual storytime. My nerves come from people staring at me, and, even though I am being seen by the internet, I can’t see the people watching, so I’m not self-conscious. The lack of feedback is hard, and it makes it difficult to really know if any of my new rhymes or books or animal activities are successful with my intended age range, but I am more willing to try new things because I won’t receive an immediate negative reaction. Does that make sense? Or am I just rambling as my brain tries to rebuild after election week 2020?
Baby Storytime Intro Song & Rhyme (Wake Up Toes and We Clap and Sing Hello)
Early Literacy Tip & Book:Baby Loves Fall by Karen Katz
Early Literacy Tip: Babies love to take things in and out of larger containers. This helps build understanding of spatial concepts like in, out, behind, under, and over—all of which are important for brain development.
Song: She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain by Old Town School of Folk Music
Another themed Saturday storytime special! So much Llama Llama Red Pajama fun! This outline has a lot of extra content because I couldn’t decide what to use in the storytime, so I filmed a bunch of videos and picked through more carefully closer to the program.
No preview video this time because it was Election Week 2020 and my productivity was focused on concrete tasks more than creative tasks. We still had a fairly strong audience (about 75) without the preview video, which makes me happy, especially with our lower numbers at regular virtual storytimes lately. I’m definitely missing our print event guides now that we are open to the public again, as 90% of the people who walk in the children’s department don’t have any idea that we are doing (or have been doing) any virtual programs.
To help continue the Llama Llama fun at home, I curated a PDF packet that we shared with event participants. Download it here.
The general storytime layout–in order of what I presented–is below, with videos where applicable. All the extra videos I dropped from the program are below.
Llama Llama Storytime Outline
Backdrop Setup: Llama Llama pennant banners, book covers, and images. I’m happy to share these printable files if anyone is interested–just let me know in those comments or send us an email.
Intro Song: Shake Your Sillies Out by Rainbow Songs
Book: Llama Llama Red Pajama be Anna Dewdney
Song: The Monkey Dance by The Wiggles Have you looked for llama songs for kids? I have. A lot. And they are all odd or annoying or emphasize “big fat mama llama” or things I don’t want to include in a storytime. So I used The Monkey Dance as our get-the-wiggles out song instead.
Fingerplay: Two Little Llamas
Song: L-L-A-M-A
Download your own LLAMA BINGO printable letters here:
I made a lot of extra content that I was sure I was going to use until I was practicing. A lot of my materials were completely swapped around the day before the storytime when I practiced and didn’t like the storytime with the content below.
Is Your Mama a Llama? Book Retelling, Llama Llama Edition
Are You Afraid of the Light? by Richard Fairgray (graphic novel) Gr. 4-5. Dash is bringing his best friend Lily along for his family’s summer vacation to the weird and creepy Black Sand Beach. There isn’t much to show off, however–the sand is black and magnetic, the house is a shack on stilts, and Dash’s relatives are very odd. Everything is strange, particularly the broken light house that occasionally flickers to life, calling to Dash. Soon, Dash and his friends discover ghosts haunting the lighthouse, mind-controlling zombie “cows”, and journals that make it seem like they have all done this before–even though they have no memory of being here for years.
So creepy! This series will appeal to young horror fans looking for something new. The characters are a bit two-dimensional, but the mystery will keep the reader engaged and constantly guessing what will happen next.
Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War by Jessica Dee Humphreys (graphic novel) Gr. 4-5. In 1993, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, five-year-old Michel stays late after school to play soccer with his friends. Michel sees a group of trucks stop near their field, but he doesn’t think anything of it–until the gunshots. Suddenly, Michel and his friends are forced into vehicles, drugged, and thrust into a terrifying world of violence as they are turned into child soldiers.
Michel’s story is horrifying, but a necessary read because of its truth. I appreciate that this was adapted into a graphic novel to make it more accessible for kids around the world. While Michel’s story ends up all right–or as okay as it can–it shows the stark horror of the lives of many kids who never return home to their families. Back matter provides more information about Michel, child soldiers around the world, and ways to help.
Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn School by Pip Bird Gr. 2-4. Mira is SO EXCITED to start Unicorn School. Just like her mom and older sister, Mira will meet her unicorn best friend, go on magical quests, ride on her unicorn, and have a wonderful, magic-filled summer. All of her new classmates get paired with majestic, prancing unicorns with shimmering coats. Except Mira. Mira gets assigned to Dave.
Dave is the opposite of a majestic unicorn. He is physically small, so when Mira sits on him, her knees are by her chin. He absolutely loves donuts. He also loves to nap…a lot. All the time actually. Including in their classes. Even his poop isn’t dainty and glitter-filled like other unicorns–it looks like a pile of dog poop. And Dave poops (and farts) a lot. Dave keeps getting Mira in trouble, and soon they are both banned from the upcoming magical quest. Can Mira figure out why she and Dave are destined to be best friends? Or should she keep dreaming about a new unicorn?
Dave the Unicorn is a funny, lighthearted series that will appeal to kids who like the humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid but might not be ready for middle school drama (or kids who are looking for a more text-heavy Dog Man readalike). When you think about the magical unicorn universe too much you are left with a lot of questions and some plot holes, but this series will be well loved by its intended audience.
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (graphic novel) Gr. 6+. A political coup that leaves their beloved grandfather murdered causes twins Hawke and Grayson to run for their lives. They hide among the new trainees in the Communion of Blue, taking on new identities as Hanna and Grayce. While they try to piece together what atrocities led to their home burning to the ground, the twins also learn more about themselves. Hawke longs to return to his old life, but Grayce realizes she wants to stay in this world that lets her be herself.
I love, love that this is a fantasy graphic novel with a transgender lead. While Grayce’s understanding of her gender is part of the plot, it isn’t the only or even central storyline–there is political unrest and a mystery to unravel. I do wish there was a bit more worldbuilding here. I wasn’t confused, but I didn’t really understand anyone’s motivations or the real power of the Communion of Blue. (Are they the only ones who can do magic? Why are some of them attached to the homes of nobles? Is their magic all encompassing?) I’m hoping for more stories that further explore this world.
Don’t Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton (picture book) Gr. PreS-1. Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny tide pool, but today they are going to explore the big ocean. Little Crab is excited until Little Crab sees the big waves. Suddenly the ocean seems very big, and little crab is very small. Little Crab is nervous about going any farther, but Very Big Crab convinces Little Crab the giant waves will be worth it.
This was really cute! A great story about conquering our fears and trying something new. A good choice for the beginning of the school year. The illustrations do a particularly amazing job highlighting the ocean with lots of layering and unique shapes. A fun storytime choice!
Flamer by Mike Curato (graphic novel) Gr. 7+. Aiden is just trying to survive another summer camp with his Boy Scout Troup. It’s the summer between middle school and high school, which is a particularly big jump for Aiden, because he decided to leave his Catholic middle school to attend public high school (his first time attending a public school). Aiden got picked on a lot at his old school and by his fellow Boy Scouts here at summer camp. They call him gay–among other terms–because his voice and behaviors often seem feminine. But Aiden is confident he isn’t gay because gay boys like other boys. Plus, gay boys get made fun of. Gay boys can’t serve mass in Catholic church. Aiden can’t be gay because being gay is unsafe.
This is a rough read, but it is a must read. While the book is based on author Mike Curato’s real experiences, including his childhood experiences at Boy Scout camp in the 1990s, these experiences still continue today, especially in rural areas (but really everywhere). The book directly shows how other people’s words and actions hurt Aiden, and the mental consequences that unfold as Aiden doesn’t see any way to move forward. A must read.
The Little Mermaid by Jerry Pinkney (picture book) Gr. 1-3. Melody is the youngest and smallest mermaid princess. She loves sneaking away from her princess duties to explore the ocean floor and catch glimpses of the world above. When she finally breaks the surface one day, she discovers a girl standing on the beach waving at her. Melody longs to become friends, but she returns home saddened that she can never walk on the beach. After a tempting offer from the sea witch, Melody agrees to give up her voice for a chance at legs and making a new friend. But after spending some time with her friend (and drawing out her story in the sand since she can’t talk), Melody realizes that the sea witch has used Melody’s voice to rise to power, and it’s up to Melody to save the day.
This is such a wonderful, amazing adaptation of The Little Mermaid story. In addition to Pinkney’s gorgeous illustrations, the story takes on its own life while essentially eliminating the plot holes of the original tale and also giving Melody a sense of identity and purpose not attached to a love story. Melody wants to explore, and her curiosity leads to her deal, not a desire for love with a stranger she has never met. A beautiful, diverse adaptation that, for me, stands above the original.
Monster and Boy by Hannah Barnaby Gr. 2-3. The monster under the bed loves the boy who lives in the world above. The monster listens when the boy plays, when his mom reads him bedtime stories, and when the boy softly snores while he sleeps. After the boy’s mother tells the boy that monsters aren’t real, the monster is determined to do something about it-so he reveals himself to the boy. The boy is understandably shocked and possibly about to scream…so the monster eats him.
The monster isn’t so sure about this outcome, as he really just wanted to be friends, but he isn’t sure how to get the boy back out now that the boy is in his monster tummy. The monster decides to sleep on it, rather liking the idea that the boy is with him always, but when the monster wakes up, he discovers the boy is no longer inside him. The monster starts to cry, and suddenly he coughs up the boy, who is now very, very small. Can they return him to his original size?
This is a charming, humor-filled story that took many unexpected turns. Told from the perspective of the monster under the bed, the book adds an extra level of humor by letting the narrator add their own commentary throughout (such as explaining why the monster and boy are never given names). Lots of fun, including little-sister antics and the budding friendship between the monster and the boy. This would be a great story to recommend a caregiver and child read together before bedtime.
The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert Gr. 4-6. Alberta is used to being the only black girl in her grade in her small ocean town in California. Alberta loves her life–surfing most days, enjoying delicious breakfasts with her two dads, and eating ice cream with her best friend Laramie. But when the bed and breakfast across the street is bought by a black family with a daughter her age, Alberta is thrilled.
Alberta is sure that she will be best friends with Edie, but Edie misses Brooklyn and isn’t so sure about small town life. While their friendship isn’t as immediate as Alberta dreamed, they still bond, especially after discovering a box of journals in Edie’s attic. Who do they belong to? Why were they left behind?
The Only Black Girls in Town was a ton of fun with the perfect mix of small town life, friendship drama, questions about growing up, and mystery. While a lot happens to Alberta over the book, nothing ever felt rushed and each plot element wove together with the next (much like how life works). Will be book talking and recommending.
Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali (picture book) Gr. PreS-1. Musa’s kindergarten teacher, Ms. Gupta, proposes a yearlong show and tell, where each child shares with their classmates about their favorite day of the year. This way, the whole class will celebrate these important holidays all together. Four children present their favorite holidays throughout the rest of the book, emphasizing Eid Mubarak, Rosh Hashanah, Christmas (with some Latinx cultural elements), and Pi Day. Other holidays are shown in the back of the book.
I love this approach to celebrating holidays and important celebrations. Each student, and each student’s family, is different, and this activity celebrates those differences. Beautiful illustrations (and endpapers in particular) help each holiday jump off the page. Pi Day is a unique inclusion, but it is wonderful to see a non-religious holiday celebrated with the same level of excitement.
Note: It was Election Week 2020 combined with a few work and personal deadlines, so reading was low. I downloaded a bunch of exciting picture book eBook ARCS, so maybe I will get to those next week? It depends how many holds came in over the last few days.
Make sure to stop by on Tuesdays for short reviews of some of these titles!
Stats for the Week:
16 Books Read This Week
12 Books with Diverse Main Character (75%)
8 Books by Diverse Authors (50%)
7 Books by Own Voices Authors (44%) (to the best of my knowledge)
More Baby Storytime fun in November! I am particularly happy with adapting Jane Cabrera’s Row Row Row Your Boat into an animal sounds puppet activity. I’ve been waiting to adapt that one for a while!
Baby Bounce Rhymes are a staple of Baby Storytime. Our baby storytimes are designed for ages 0-2, so my example videos often show a little bit more movement than may make sense for a little one you are holding in your arms (especially a little one that needs head support). Many of these baby bounce rhymes can also be adapted for walking babies, who could jump instead of bounce. When little ones have started walking, I encourage grown-ups to do the baby bounce rhymes themselves, even if their little one is standing nearby and doesn’t want to be confined to a lap anymore.
I sometimes refer to baby bounce rhymes as “movement rhymes” instead of bounces because there are many activities that encourage the same behavior as bounce rhymes but instead focus on swaying (or other, similar, full body movements). Regardless of what I call them, when introducing this section of storytime, I always use these activities as an early literacy moment, explaining to parents how bouncing or moving little ones to the rhythm of words helps them hear the small parts of words and builds phonological awareness skills.
Looking for more storytime tools? Check out our Storytime Resources page for links to more content.
Baby Bounce Rhymes
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 I Caught a Fish Alive
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (bounce) I caught a fish alive! (hug) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (bounce) Then I let him go again! (tickle)
Acka Backa Soda Cracker
Acka backa soda cracker, Acka backa boo. Acka backa soda cracker, I love you! (hug)
Acka backa soda cracker, Acka backa boo. Acka backa soda cracker, Up goes you! (lift)
Andy Pandy
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy All pop down.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy All pop up.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy All pop in.
Andy Pandy Sugar and Candy All pop out.
Bounce and Stop
We bounce and bounce and bounce and stop! We bounce and bounce and bounce and stop! We bounce and bounce and bounce and stop! Now bounce that baby to the top!
Bouncing, Bouncing
Bouncing, bouncing, Let’s go bouncing! Up and down, All around.
Bouncing, bouncing, Let’s go bouncing, Whoops! Don’t fall down!
A bouncing we will go, A bouncing we will go, Hi ho the derry o, A bouncing we will go.
Continue with: rocking, tickling
Did You Ever See a Baby?
Did you ever see a baby, a baby, a baby? Did you ever see a baby go this way and that? Go this way and that way, and that way and this way? Did you ever see a baby go this way and that?
Dump Truck
Dump truck dump truck, bumpin’ down the road. Spillin’ out gravel as you travel with your load. Bumpety, bumpety, bump, bump, bump! Dump truck, dump truck, dump truck, DUMP!
Five Little Riders
Five little riders on a nice fall day, Jumped on their ponies and rode far away.
They galloped in the meadow. They galloped up a hill. (lift) They galloped so fast, That they all took a spill. (tip over)
Giddy Up
Giddy up, giddy up, ride to town. Giddy up, giddy up, UP and DOWN (lift). Giddy up fast! Giddy up slow! Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, WHOA! (tilt)
Gregory Griggs
Gregory Griggs, Gregory Griggs, Had 27 different wigs. He wore them up, He wore them down. To please the people of the town. He wore them east. He wore them west. But which one did he love the best? This one!
Here We Go Bumpy Boo
Here we go bumpy-boo Here we go bumpy-bye Here we go bumpy-bee All on top of my knee.
I bounce you to the left. I bounce you to the right. I bounce you up and down. I bounce you out of sight!
Here we go bumpy-boo Here we go bumpy-bye Here we go bumpy-bee All on top of my knee.
I bounce you very fast. I bounce you very slow. I bounce you up and down. And back we both do go!
Here We Go Up, Up, Up
Here we go up, up, up! Here we go down, down, down, Here we go back and forth, And here we go round and round!
Here’s a Little Pumpkin
Here’s a little pumpkin bouncing on the vine. Roll it left, and roll it right, And bounce it bounce it down the line!
Continue with: Medium pumpkin…medium bounces Great big pumpkin…great big bounces
Hippity Hop
Hippity hop to the candy shop, To buy ourselves some candy. Some for you and some for me, And some for sister Mandy!
A Hippopotamus
A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus Got on, got on, got on a city bus, And all, and all, and all the people said, You’re squishing us! (hug)
A cow, cow, a cow got on the bus, And all, and all, and all the people said, Moooooooooove over (tilt to side)
A sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on the bus, And all, and all, and all the people said, Baaaaaaaaaaccckkkk up (lean back)
Humpy Dumpty
We rock and rock and rock on the wall, (sway) We rock and rock, I hope we don’t fall!
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall! (tilt sideways)
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men (bounce) Couldn’t put Humpty together again!
I’m Bouncing
I’m bouncing, bouncing everywhere. I bounce and bounce into the air. I’m bouncing, bouncing like a ball. I bounce and bounce and then I fall.
Jelly on a Plate
Jelly on a plate, jelly on a plate, Wibble wobble, wibble, wobble, jelly on a plate.
Candy in a jar, candy in a jar, Shake ’em up, shake ’em up, candy in a jar.
Candles on a cake, candles on a cake, Blow ’em out, blow ’em out, candles on a cake.
Old Grey Mare
Clip, clip, clippety clop, Clippety, clippety, clop. The old grey mare goes up and down, Until it’s time to stop!
Popcorn, Popcorn
Popcorn, popcorn sizzle in the pan. Shake it, shake it, bam, bam, BAM!
Rocking horse, rocking horse, to and fro, Side to side and away we go, Rocking horse, rocking horse, front and back, Don’t fall off just like that.
Woah!
Snuggle Up
Snuggle up together, Baby in your lap. Snuggle up together, And clap, clap, clap!
Snuggle up together. Don’t you nap! Snuggle up together, And tap, tap, tap!
We’re working out together. Baby don’t stop. We’re working out together, So hop, hop, hop!
Now our song is over, Get ready to stop! Now our song is over, So stop, stop, stop!
Tick Tock
Tick, tock, tick, tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock. Tick, tock, tick, tock, Now it’s almost one o’clock. Cuckoo! (lift)
Tiny Little Babies
Tiny little babies love bouncin’ bouncin’, Tiny little babies love bouncin’ so. Tiny little babies love bouncin’ bouncin’ Tiny little babies love bouncin’ yeah.
Bounce to the left, Bounce to the right, Now hug that baby nice and tight.
Toast in the Toaster
I’m toast in the toaster. I’m getting very hot. Tick tock, tick tock, Up I pop! (lift)
Two Little Boats
(rock front to back)
Two little boats went out to sea. All is calm as calm can be.
(rock side to side)
Gently the wind begins to blow. Two little boats rock to and fro.
(bounce)
Loudly the wind begins to shout! Two little boats they bounce about.
(freeze then rock front to back)
STOP goes the storm, the wind, and rain. Two little boats sail on again.
Zoom Down the Freeway
Zoom down the freeway! Zoom down the freeway! Zoom down the freeway! FAST! (tickle)
Up goes the drawbridge Up goes the drawbridge Up goes the drawbridge A ship is going past.
Down goes the drawbridge Down goes the drawbridge Down goes the drawbridge The ship has passed at last.
Zoom down the freeway! Zoom down the freeway! Zoom down the freeway! FAST! (tickle)
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Zoom, zoom, zoom, We’re going to the moon. Zoom, zoom, zoom, We’ll get there very soon.
The Best Worst Poet Ever by Lauren Stohler (picture book) Gr. K-2. Pug and Cat are both determined to become the world’s best poet–though they have vastly different poetic styles. A battle of wits and words ensues, with rapidly increasing hilarity, until the two realize that maybe they would work better as a team.
This was so much fun! I would have a lot of fun reading this to an elementary school classroom, but I am really looking forward to turning this into a reader’s theater script.
Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim (picture book) Gr. K-2. Danbi just moved to America from Korea, and she is thrilled to start school! Except, when she gets there, she doesn’t understand what her teacher says. She figures out that her teacher wants her to write her name, so she does–in perfect Korean, not English. The kids dance and play games that Danbi has never seen. Danbi is sure that she knows what to do at lunch, but even her food is different than everyone else’s. Can Danbi figure out how to make new friends?
This adorable, upbeat book shows young Danbi’s genuine excitement at starting school, even with obstacles in her way. I really appreciate that Danbi always stays positive, showing her classmates how to use chopsticks, leading her own musical parade, and making a friend when she is surrounded by so many new things. The illustrations show the wonderful chaos of an elementary school classroom. Lots of fun!
Over 100 pages of fun illustrations and quick facts will make this book appealing to kids of all ages. A ton of great information fills the book, including the differences between each ocean, profiles on each shark species, and many a poop or snot related fast fact box. The book ends with really simple how to draw instructions for various sea creatures. The well-thought out design (with kids in mind) will make this book a winner.
Ginger and Chrysanthemum by Kristen Mai Giang Gr. 1-2. Cousins Ginger and Chrysanthemum love each other, but they each approach life a little differently. Ginger is spontaneous and loves to move fast and try new things. Chrysanthemum is more careful and loves plans and lists. The two enjoy their time together, preparing for their grandmother’s birthday, until they are tasked with making the birthday cake–together. Personalities clash, and soon everything is ruined.
A fun story about teamwork, friendship, and siblings (even if these two characters are cousins). A nice author’s note reflects on how traditional Chinese food (like ginger and chrysanthemum) have warm or cool characteristics. When brought together, they create balance, just like when our two cousins figure out how to work together. A good book to pair with Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao or Bilal Cooks Daal when working with older readers.
I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day Gr. 4-5. Edie doesn’t really ask about her Native American heritage. Edie’s mom was adopted as a baby by a white couple, and other than an annual visit to a nearby reservation to purchase fireworks, her parents tend to redirect any questions she has about their extended family. When exploring the attic with friends, Edie discovers a box filled with letters signed “Love Edith.” When Edie asks her mom who Edie was named after, Edie’s mom freezes up and lies to Edie’s face. Edie has a lot of questions–who was Edith? Why hasn’t Edie met her? And what secrets are her parents keeping?
This book was sweet, though heart wrenching. A family mystery seems like it will end with Edie learning about a death, but the painful reality is worse in a lot of ways–especially because of the very real women who went through the exact same trauma as Edie’s grandmother. I expected to have more of a glimpse into Native culture in this title, and that isn’t really present, but I did come away with new characters I will miss, knowledge about an atrocity faced by Native people just decades ago, and a new author to look out for.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (graphic novel) Gr. 6+. Will’s older brother was shot and killed outside of their apartment building. Will is determined to follow the rules passed down to him by his brother: (1) no crying, (2) no snitching, and (3) get revenge. Will has his older brother’s gun and, early the next morning, starts down their building’s elevator to get revenge on the person he is sure is his brother’s killer. But this elevator trip is like no other, with each floor revealing a new ghost from Will’s past, all with something to say.
I love how unique all of the adaptations of this book are. I love the original, I love the audiobook, and I also love the graphic novel. Each serves a purpose and shows this story in a slightly different light. Danica Novgorodoff did an amazing job with the watercolor illustrations that brought this to life. Wonderful.
Melly Bean and the Giant Monster by Mike White (graphic novel) Gr. 2-4. Lovable pup Melly Bean loves to play games, even if her three cat housemates prefer to nap while their humans are away. While preparing to bury a shoe in the backyard, Melly discovers that her hole is a bit deeper than she could have imagined. She slips through into a magical world filled with kings, knights, and even a humongous rabbit named Narra. Narra isn’t so fond of humans, as they spend their time hunting her for the gold that flakes out of her eyes. But Melly is sure not all the humans in this magical world are bad–maybe they just haven’t yet discovered the power of a Good Sit.
This was adorable. Melly has all of the expected energy and personality of a cute puppy, and her positive attitude seeps into the way she jumps right into adventure in the world she stumbles into. Lots of low-key adventure with high stakes, but the illustrations and story lack the depicted violence in many fantasy graphic novels for kids–a good thing here, making this a great book to hand to second or third graders looking for something fun but not scary. Hoping for more!
Powwow: A Celebration Through Song and Dance by Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane (nonfiction) Gr. 3-5. Learn about the history of celebrations of Indigenous song and dance–powwows. Author Pheasant-Neganigwane explores powwow history and culture in all of North America, with a focus on Canada. Her words are paired with beautiful photographs, creating a rich book that will serve as a wonderful introduction to these events for young readers. While I wish there was an equivalent title with a bit more focus on the United States, I am happy this book exists at all. Will be recommending.
Rescuing Mrs. Birdley by Aaron Reynolds (picture book) Gr. K-1. Young Miranda Montgomery loves the Nature Joe Animal Show. Every day, she watches Nature Joe rescue hurt animals and return lost animals to their natural habitats. When Miranda visits the grocery store, she finds something very grave–her teacher! Obviously, her teacher has escaped her natural habitat (their classroom), and it is up to Miranda to use all of the skills she has learned from Nature Joe to safely bring her teacher home.
This was so much fun! Taking the “Where do teachers live?” question to a whole new level with young Miranda’s very logical comparison of her teacher to a wild animal escaped from its natural habitat. Miranda sets traps and does her best to safely and carefully place her teacher where she will be safe. A fun storytime read when visiting an elementary school classroom.
Wherever I Go by Mary Wagley Copp (picture book) Gr. 1-3. Abia has been at the Shimelba refugee camp longer than any other kid. She is proud of her seven years and counting, ruling over the other kids like a queen. Her parents think they have been at the camp much too long, but Abia knows that wherever they go, she will always remember her days as queen of the camp.
A moving, approachable refugee story told in a slightly different perspective, focusing on a child’s nerves about leaving camp instead of their experiences after moving to a new country. Wonderful illustrations make young Abia shine while also not hiding the harsh realities of camp life.
Work It, Girl: Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey by Caroline Moss (biography) Gr. 3-4. Learn about the life of Oprah Winfrey, from her childhood as a little girl preaching at her grandma’s church (at the age of four) to her more tumultuous teenage years being shuffled between parents and her breakthrough into the world of television.
The Work It, Girl biography series is a ton of fun. While the content isn’t deep or overly thorough, these books provide a great introduction to famous individuals. Their physical design makes them particularly appealing, with well organized layouts and gorgeous paper cut illustrations.
Note: It’s that time of year, can you sense a theme in my reads? Although all my Halloween picture books just came in so next week I might be listing a few stragglers that make the cut for good reads.
Some more spooky storytime stories and rhymes this week! I’m back to baby storytime in November, but I’m already searching for more to retell with toddlers in December! If you ever want to watch these live, we have three live storytimes a week on the Westerville Public Library Facebook Page on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 9:30 am. My next storytime is for the babies on Tuesday at 9:30 am.
Early Literacy Tip: Make up your own words to familiar tunes to create silly songs. Let your child choose unique animals for “Old McDonald Had a Farm” and unique actions for “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Book Recommendation:The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman (abbreviated)
