Rambling Thoughts: More books! I loved Concrete Rose, and there is some good stuff here, though really I am just extra tired this week. Vacations that I knew weren’t happening were officially cancelled, and I think that has left me a bit out of sorts. I’ve got some great books stacked up that I am looking forward to reading the next few weeks–so hopefully lots of great titles and reviews to highlight here soon. (Also, this week is the WandaVision finale. So, let’s be honest, that is where my head is.)
Make sure to stop by on Tuesdays for short reviews of some of these titles!
More toddlers! I like the variety of toddler activities so much, though it will be fun to be back to babies next week. Lot’s of polar bear content this week (not intentionally, but here we are). My library reopened to the public this week for browsing, though I’m writing this before that happens…so hoping all goes well.
Early Literacy Tip: Read books with excitement and enthusiasm—this can be much easier with books that encourage silly actions or behaviors. Try being extra silly! Nothing is over-the-top for your child.
Book Recommendation:The Doghouse by Jan Thomas
Song: Jump with Me by Bobs & Lolo
Fingerplay: Here Is the Beehive
Here is the beehive, But where are the bees? Hidden away where nobody sees. Watch and you’ll see them come out of the hive… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…They’re alive! Buzzzzzzzzz
Oh the city is great and the city is grand There are lots of tall buildings on a little piece of land And we live way up on the 57th floor and this is what we do when we go out the door.
We take the elevator up and the elevator down, take the elevator up, take the elevator down Take the elevator up and the elevator down and we turn around.
Flannel: Polar Bear’s Underwear (Song/Rhyme)
Oh where, oh where did my red underwear go? Oh where, oh where can they be? I looked up high, and I looked down low? Did someone hide them from me?
— Find more Flannel & Magnet Activities in this post. —
That’s not my unicorn. It’s wings have too many stripes.
Oh wait, look at this unicorn! It’s mane is so purple and sparkly! It’s wings and horn are so shiny! This is my unicorn!
All of the Usborne That’s Not My… books could lend themselves to flannel activities. Alternatively, you could use these unicorns with this rhyme adapted from Literacious:
I saw five little unicorns – creatures I adore. The blue one pranced away and then there were four.
I saw four little unicorns resting by a tree. The tan one pranced away, and then there were three.
I saw three little unicorns – they were quite a crew. The purple one pranced away, and then there were two.
I saw two little unicorns – I watched them run and run. The pink one pranced away, and then there was one.
I saw a white unicorn standing in the sun. It pranced away, and then there were none.
And a big shoutout to Mr. Keith’s blog, Felt-tastic Flannelbaord Funtime, for providing inspiration for my feltboard ideas. None of my flannels are direct reproductions of anyone’s work, but I am inspired most often by his style.
Edit: A fantastic commenter pointed out the inaccuracy of the word “diverse” to describe these artists, and I’m working to correct that. You will see a mixture of terms used in this post as I take the time to better prepare for future posts in this series. The artists highlighted below are all from typically underrepresented backgrounds, including a mixture of Black, Latinx, Asian, and LGBTQIA+. I’ll better distinguish this on future updates to this post and blog series.
Update: Find a newer list of artists and songs (published in 2024) here.
Are you using music from a diverse group of artists in storytime? I’ll ask another way: are the artists of all the songs you use in storytime white? There is a ton of conversation in the library world about the need to make sure your collections, displays, reader’s advisory, and programming books include underrepresented populations. Rudine Sims Bishop is often quoted, citing her wonderful Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors essay. That work is very important, and books are at the core of library services. But, we also highlight other forms of media in our programming, storytimes, and events. Think about your hired presenters and performers (virtual in 2020 and in-person in 2019). How many were white? Who are you supporting with your library’s limited funds? What about your storytime music playlist? How often do you share music by Black artists? Latinx artists? LGBTQIA+ artists?
Since my time on the ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings committee, I’ve been thinking a lot about children’s music, especially the music we use in storytime. Most of the artists I use are white. Jim Gill and Laurie Berkner are great, but there are some really fantastic Black, Latinx, and Asian artists that out there. There are artists from so many underrepresented groups–you just need to put in the time to look for them.
And it does take time. The music world is hard to break into at any level. Getting an agent isn’t easy or cheap, and the children’s music world is competitive. An artist might be able to self publish or perform locally, but that creates a very limited audience for a time consuming and costly pursuit. In some ways, the pandemic has opened up more opportunities for smaller presenters and performers to perform, virtually, on a national scale. But, the pandemic has also made it harder for those same smaller performers to survive. Money is tight everywhere, and many libraries who could never afford to bring a big name performer in person, might be able to afford them virtually. Libraries want to attract a large virtual audience, and that is easier with a name that caregivers will recognize. Caregivers recognize children’s musicians that they hear a lot–which they may mostly hear in storytime. So we are back to the beginning again: what musicians are you highlighting in storytime?
I am picky about my storytime music. I present for all ages now, but mostly babies and toddlers. I want music selections that are:
Short. Preferably 1-2 minutes, though I’m flexible with this (I can always stop the song myself where I need to).
Clear actions that are preferably repeated in a straightforward way. And actions that are appropriate for the age range. We can always adapt words and motions, but it is hard to spin a squirming one-year-old sitting on your lap.
Good pace. For me, I don’t want something too slow, but it also needs to be at a speed that is feasible for a toddler or preschooler to follow.
Your storytime music preferences might be very different. Some of my coworkers only use songs that have a rhythm that is way too slow for me, while others really want to theme their music to their storytime topic.
One more note: look at artists that you haven’t heard of. It’s great that you are highlighting Ella Jenkins and other artists that have been around for a few decades–but there are many new, modern artists creating amazing music right now that would appreciate your support.
I’ve been rambling on for months in other blog posts on how I have been working on a spreadsheet with artists from underrepresented populations and songs that particularly work for storytime. That full document isn’t ready yet, but I want to start to highlight diverse musicians regularly in preparation for that longer post. Many of these names may be familiar if you follow my weekly storytime outlines.
Children’s Musicians: A Starting List
All of these artists come from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented, particularly in storytime playlists: some are Black, some are Latinx, some are Asian, some identify as LGBTQIA+, and more. Some of these artists are my personal favorites while others are ones I plan to explore over the next few months. Who am I missing? Let me know in the comments!
Also, not a specific music group, but check out the Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix by Ants on a Log and Friends.
Storytime Music: Favorite Songs
Again, I haven’t listened to every song by every artist listed above (yet–that is the plan by the end of the year), but if you are looking for some storytime music by artists from underrepresented populations to add to your storytime playlist *right now*, I’ve highlighted some of my current favorites below!
Jazzy Ash
Teddy Bear (preschool or school age)
Baby Loves Beignets (great with shakers)
Leap Frog (great with shakers – wish this didn’t gender with boys and girls)
Kymberly Stewart
I Am a Robot (toddlers, preschoolers)
Timmy the Turtle (Tiny Tim rhyme)
Down Down Up Up (all ages–could be a fun work out for caregivers with babies)
Nathalia
Animal Bop (toddlers, preschoolers)
Alina Celeste
Clap Hands (wish this wasn’t strictly mama and papa repeatedly, but the beat and actions are great)
Little Miss Ann
Shake & Sing (with shakers)
Aaron Nigel Smith
Everybody Loves to Dance (featuring Ziggy Marley) (all ages)
Itsy Bitsy Spider (featuring Zion Nigel Smith) (all ages)
Culture Queen
Super Shaker Song (with shakers! or scarves!) (all ages)
Take-and-make kits; craft kits; programs to go: whatever your library calls these programs in a bag that have become a staple of no-contact offerings, one thing is fairly standard: these kits are well loved, but they take time to make. I love creating materials for kits and thinking about how a family might interact with program materials at home. I’ve introduced a new pair of kits for ages 6-11 in January 2021: Book Club in a Bag. This week’s feature: New Kid by Jerry Craft.
The Book Club in a Bag kits look a bit different from some of my previous kits. Instead of focusing on just one book universe, these kits each feature four characters, hopefully some old favorites as well as some new, diverse characters.
In January, these featured characters included (links provided as the bag contents are shared on Book Cart Queens):
The New Kid Kit can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. Most of this kit can be re-created simply using a printer, with the addition of extra items depending on your budget.
Want to use make a New Kid Kit at your library? Download the PDFs at the links below, or write a comment or send an email (bookcartqueens@gmail.com) for editable files.
New Kid General Materials
Each bag contains some of the same basic materials, and the New Kid kit is no different.
New Kid Bookmark – All Books
Slideshare not working? Download the PDF listing all book titles here.
New Kid Bookmark – Readalikes
Slideshare not working? Download the PDF of the Readalike titles here.
The New Kid readalike bookmark features these titles:
Slideshare not working? Download the PDF of the discussion questions here.
The New Kid Discussion Questions include:
Which five words best describe New Kid?
Why do you think Jerry Craft drew Jordan’s sketchbook drawings completely differently than the rest of the book?
Have you ever been the new kid somewhere? How was your experience the same or different from Jordan’s?
What makes being a new kid so challenging for Jordan?
Jordan’s Tips for Taking the Bus (pages 56-57): Why does his behavior change—how he looks and dresses as he moves around? What is different in each panel?
What does this book say about friendship? What makes a good friend?
Which character do you identify with the most? Why?
New Kid Swag – Buttons
This bag also included a 2.25″ New Kid button. Download a printable PDF to make them yourself here.
New Kid Crafts, Games, and More
This particular bag only included one activity: make your own journal. Supplies included:
Instruction Sheet (below)
3 sets washi tape
2 pieces cardstock (halves of 9 x 12 sheet, pre-punched)
20 pieces of printer paper (10 full sheets in half, pre-punched)
Don’t Ask Me Where I’m Fromby Jennifer De Leon (teen) Gr. 9+. Liliana Cruz knows she won’t fit in at the white school her parents want her to go to. She didn’t even know her parents sent in an application for her–she just got called to the principal’s office one day and told she was accepted into the METCO program and would now be bussed to a different school with more funding. Liliana is sure she won’t go, but when she finds out that her dad ran off again, she finds herself accepting to make her mom happy.
Liliana is one of only a few kids of color at her new school, and she doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere. The other METCO kids laugh at her, and the white kids ignore her–well, all of them except for one really cute boy. Liliana is sure she will drop out of this program and just go back to her old school, but then she learns that her dad isn’t off doing his own thing–he got deported, and he can’t come home because he is undocumented. Suddenly, her classmates and teachers racist remarks sting more than ever before, and Liliana decides she is done making everyone else comfortable at her own expense.
Fantastic! Liliana’s journey of self-discovery felt real. While there was a lot going on, it all felt genuine–from the at home struggles to the micro and macro aggressions at school. Powerful, enjoyable, and an easy one to recommend.
When You Trap a Tigerby Tae Keller Gr. 4-6. Lily, her mother, and her older sister Sam move in with Lily’s sick grandmother. As they drive into town, a giant, magical tiger from one of her Halmoni’s stories arrives–a tiger only Lily can see. Halmoni tells Lily that a long time ago she stole something important from the tigers, and now the tigers want it back. Lily manages to talk to one of the tigers, and it offers her a deal: return the stories that Halmoni stole, and the tigers will return Halmoni’s health. Lily knows she has to take the tiger up on its bargain–but tigers are known for not quite telling the truth. And can quiet, invisible Lily ever really be brave enough to trick a tiger?
This was beautiful and brimming with strong feelings of love and family, weaving together culture and magical realism in a quiet but yet still suspenseful fashion. The depth of the side characters really stands out to me–Halmoni’s journey towards acceptance, Sam’s fear of being left behind, Ricky’s want for a real friend who gets it, and Lily’s mom in particular, trying to hold everyone together. I see why this won the Newbery
Rambling Thoughts: Not too many books this week–still waiting for that big pile from Baker & Taylor to be delivered. I might start using a family member’s card to request titles that I know have been published for a while from other libraries. Bring on the books! Currently listening to and enjoying Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas.
Make sure to stop by on Tuesdays for short reviews of some of these titles!
Toddler Fun! A longer book compared to my normal selections for toddlers, but I really want to use this book, and I can’t keep agonizing over how to turn Baby Goes to Market into a flannel — someday I will make that happen, but I have no ability to make people out of flannel, and I don’t have the patience for trial and error at the moment.
Early Literacy Tip: Toddlers need to move, so don’t worry if they act out stories or just skip, romp, or tumble as you read to them. They may be moving, but they are listening.
Book Recommendation:Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke
Song: Clap Your Hands by The Alana Banana Show
Fingerplay: Snowflakes Snowflakes
Snowflakes snowflakes dance all around Snowflakes snowflakes touch the ground Snowflakes snowflakes in the air Snowflakes snowflakes everywhere!
This is an adaptation of the book Buzz Said the Bee by Wendy Cheyette Lewison.
Once there was a bee who sat on a duck. “QUACK” said the duck. “There’s a bee on me.” And the duck said, “Scat,” but the bee just sat.
So the duck quacked again and sat on a hen. “CLUCK,” said the hen. “There’s a duck on me.” And the hen said, “Scat,” but the duck just sat.
So the hen danced a jig and sat on pig. “OINK,” said the pig. “There’s a hen on me.” And the pig said, “Scat,” but the hen just sat.
So the pig took a bow and sat on a cow. “MOO,” said the cow. “There’s a pig on me.” And the cow said, “Scat,” but the pig just sat.
The cow began to weep and sat on a sheep who was fast asleep. The cow had had enough of all these animals sitting on her so she said “Moo!” (remove cow from pile) and the pig said “Oink!” (remove pig from pile) and the hen said “Cluck!” (remove hen from pile) and the duck said “Quack!” (remove duck from pile) and the bee flew down to the sheep’s ear and whispered….BUZZ! He woke up the sheep from a very sound sleep and the sheep left to have fun…and then there were none!
And a big shoutout to Mr. Keith’s blog, Felt-tastic Flannelbaord Funtime, for providing inspiration for my feltboard ideas. None of my flannels are direct reproductions of anyone’s work, but I am inspired most often by his style.
As part of our virtual programming, I run a monthly school age storytime, designed for ages 6-8. This program highlights a different diverse individual from the Little People Big Dreams book series. In February, this program featured Muhammad Ali.
Each program features 1-2 books on the famous individual (one book being their matching title from the Little People, Big Dreams book series). I also highlight music from a diverse artist and include a link to an at-home packet to continue the fun and learning.
Explore More Little People, Big Dreams Storytime Outlines:
First Book: Muhammad Ali by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Little People Big Dreams)
Movement Break: Banana Banana Meatball by Blazer Fresh (GoNoodle)
Second Book: Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born by Gene Baretta
Closing Rhyme: See You Later, Alligator
See you later, alligator In a while, crocodile Give a hug, ladybug Blow a kiss, jellyfish See you soon, big baboon Out the door, dinosaur Take care, polar bear Wave goodbye, butterfly!
