The Wild Rumpus

Happy Birthday Lucy Cousins!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:00:02 PST

Today is Maisy author Lucy Cousins's birthday. Visit Maisy's Fun Clun at www.maisyfunclub.com for downloadable coloring sheets, games. and more!

New Pinkalicious Party Session!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:57:19 PST

If you weren't quite quick enough registering for our Pinkalicious Party on February 18th - don't despair! We've added a second session at 3:30 P.M. and there are still openings! Call or go to our Events page to register before it's filled up!

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:43:26 PST

What we read:
Little Listeners:

Snow Inside The House written by Sean Diviny and illustrated by Joe Rocco
Flannel Kisses written by Linda Crotta Brennan and illustrated by Mari Takabayashi

Story Time:

Whose Mouse Are You by written Robert Kraus, illustrated Jose Aruego
Little Mouse and Big Cupcake written by Thomas Taylor, illustrated by Jill Barton
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audry Wood

February 2012 Book Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:23:48 PST

Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Life in the Soviet Union beats any existence in a miserable capitalist country, at least according to Sasha. Sasha sees himself as a good communist and is eager to pledge his loyalty to his country and its leader, Stalin, as a Young Pioneer. When Sasha’s father is unexpectedly arrested, Sasha’s world starts to crumble and he begins to doubt all that he has known. This story is a wonderful exploration of a time and place in history rarely covered in children’s literature. 2012 Newbery Honor recipient. Meghan (J Fiction)

Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen

How much damage can a few little white lies do? Well, if you ask Kevin, our main character in Liar, Liar, not a whole lot. If you ask his friends, his family, and his teachers… a whole lot of damage! When Kevin wants to impress a girl, he starts to fib here and there, cuts class, lies to his family—and that is just the small stuff. Will Kevin learn that lies are not a good thing, or will he continue with his fibbing? Jacquie (J Fiction)

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

When 12 year old May is sent to help out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead she misses her family – but Pa has promised she can come home at Christmas. Then homesick Mrs. Oblinger runs away and Mr. Oblinger goes after her. Suddenly May finds herself alone, with winter fast approaching and food running scarce. Will she be able to survive on her own? Fans of the Little House series won’t want to miss this lovely book, written in verse. Alia (J Fiction)

The Luck of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker

In 1929, Tugs Button lives in a very small town where she gets into trouble occasionally and she doesn't always fit in with the other kids. She wants to be like the other girls, but is much more comfortable in overalls and playing with the boys. One day, a new man comes to town trying to get a newspaper started and Tugs is very curious about him. He is asking all the townspeople to donate money for buying a printing press. Something just doesn’t seem right... Kristin (J fiction)

Trouble-Maker by Andrew Clements
Clay is not your normal 6^th grade boy. He is a Trouble-Maker with a capital T. His student file is two inches thick! And then, he gets himself in MORE trouble by drawing a picture of his principal as a donkey. Clay wants to be in trouble, he wants to be sent to the principal. But when his brother Mitchell steps in and makes Clay promise to change his ways, will Clay be able to keep his promise? Another great realistic fiction book by Andrew Clements. Jacquie (J Fiction)

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:08:21 PST

What We Read:

Little Listeners:

Pick A Pup written by Marsha Wilson Chall and illustrated by Jed Henry

Jackhammer Sam written by Peter Mandel and illustrated by David Catrow

Story Time:

We're Going om a Bear Hunt retold by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Time to Sleep written and illustrated by Denise Fleming

The Paper Bag Princess written by Robert Munch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko

And the Winners Are...

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:09 PST

This morning, the "real" Caldecott awards were announced along with the Newbery winners and the other 2012 ALSC book and media award winners.

Caldecott Medal

"A Ball for Daisy" illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, published by Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Caldecott Honor Books

"Blackout" illustrated and written by John Rocco, published by Disney/Hyperion Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group

"Grandpa Green" illustrated and written by Lane Smith, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

"Me...Jane" illustrated and written by Patrick McDonnell, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Newbery Medal

"Dead End in Norvelt," written by Jack Gantos, published by Farrar Straus Giroux

Newbery Honor Books

"Inside Out & Back Again" written by Thanhha Lai, published by HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" written by Eugene Yelchin, published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC

You can check out the entire list on ALSC's website.

And I am very proud of the Caldecott Kids who also picked "Blackout" as their Honor Book! We didn't get a chance to look at "A Ball for Daisy" because it was checked out from the library. Everyone did a great job and we had a good discussion!

Caldecott Kids Pick A Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:19:21 PST

The votes are in and the winner of the Caldecott Kids mock Caldecott award is....

Where's Walrus written and illustrated by Stephen Savage

The honor books are:

Blackout written and illustrated by John Rocco

Blue Chicken written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman

Thanks to the 1st-5th graders who participated in our program! Take a look back here on Monday when we'll post the winners of the actual Caldecott award and see if our committee "got it right!"

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:34:33 PST

What we read:

Little Listeners:

Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors written by Danna Smith and illustrated by Valeria Petrone

If You're Hoppy and You Know It written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic

Story Time:

The Puzzled Penguin by Kieth Faulkner, illustrated by Jonathan Lambert

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:02:37 PST

What we read:

Little Listeners:

Owl Babies written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson
In My Tree written by Sara Gillingham and illustrated by Lorena Siminovich

Story Time:

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak
Delicious by Helen Cooper
Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic

New National Ambassador for Young People's Literature!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:23:56 PST

Did you know that there is a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature? Well there is and Walter Dean Myers has become the third children's author to step up to the job. Myers, will formally accept the position in a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on January 10. He succeeds Katherine Paterson, who has served since 2010. Learn more over at Publisher's Weekly!

January 2012 Book Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:23:13 PST

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Conor is dealing with a lot. His Mum is very sick with cancer and he is doing his best to help her. He has a recurring nightmare at 12:07AM most nights, where the Yew tree in the backyard calls to him, talks to him and comes alive. At first he thinks it is a nightmare, is it? School is also getting to be more difficult with everyone treats him differently because of his Mum, and he hates it. The book has beautiful black and white illustrations to enhance the text. This has the potential to win the Newbery Award this month. Kristin (YA Fiction)

Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker

“Family Meeting: Tonight!” When our heroine sees this sign on the fridge in the morning, all she can do that day is worry...what did she do now? She is always getting in trouble and is worried that they are having a family meeting for that purpose. On top of that, her science specimen, a lab rat named Eighteen, is missing; and Clementine cannot find her favorite colorful hat that her Nana made. When Clementine finds out that she is not in trouble and that the family meeting is to announce that her parents are having another baby, you would think Clementine would be thrilled…will she? Jacquie (J Fiction)

Pie by Sarah Weeks

Alice’s Aunt Polly, winner of 13 consecutive Blueberry awards for her outstanding baking, is beloved in Ipswitch for her wonderful pie. In fact, that’s the name of her bakery- Pie. When Aunt Polly dies unexpectedly, the town is turned upside down. Every kitchen in town seems filled with furious baking as the townspeople attempt to create their own pie worthy of a Blueberry. On top of that, someone is going to extreme lengths to get his or her hands on Aunt Polly’s pie crust recipe, which was left to her cat- Lardo. Alice and her friend, Charlie, are determined to figure out what is going on in this sweet mystery. Recipes are included with each chapter and may inspire some baking of your own!
Meghan (J Fiction)

Splish, Splash Splat by Rob Scotton

Spike is the bully that Splat is trying to avoid. They have nothing in common. That is until Splat realizes that they both think that water is “horrible, scary, and wet!!!” In school they have to learn how to swim and all of the other students dive right in. Splat is way too scared. By the end of the book will the two cats be able to overcome their fears? This is a hilarious must read! Jacquie (Picture Book)

Picture Book Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:42:24 PST

This season the hot gift on many a child's list (and many a grown-up's too!) will be a new tablet. But once you have that shiny new tablet you'll need to start downloading apps. Apps also make great last minute holiday gifts. No going to the mall required! And how will know you which apps to look for? That's where we come in! Here is a list of Picture Book apps to share together (or to just entertain the kids for a while.)

iPad Apps:
GREEN EGGS & HAM By Dr. Seuss (Author), Oceanhouse Media (Developer)

Age Range: 2 - 8

Read the review HERE.

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON
by Crocket Johnson (Author), Trilogy Studios (Developer)

Read the review HERE.

MOO, BAA, LA LA LA! from the "Boynton Moo Media" series, volume 2

By Sandra Boynton (Author), Sandra Boynton (Illustrator), Loud Crow Interactive (Developer)

Read the review HERE.

POPOUT! THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT

By Beatrix Potter (Author), Loud Crow Interactive (Developer)

Age Range: 2 - 18

Read the review HERE.

Android Apps:

Check out this list of 5 great Android Picture Book Apps HERE.

Coming soon to Broadway...

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:38:05 PST

Tuck Everlasting as a musical? We think it could be awesome. Here's the early buzz from the New York Times. Also, Because of Winn-Dixie is slated to become a musical. Read all about it here.

SLJ's Best Picture Books 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:44:42 PST

School Library Journal has put out their list of the Best Books of 2011. You can check out the list here.
We were so happy to see that Deborah Underwood's The Loud Book (the follow up to The Quiet Book)made it on to the list! We would love to hear what would be on your "Best Of" list! Let us know what you think!

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:34:16 PST

What we read:
Little Listeners:
Polar Bear, Polar bear, What Do You Hear? written by Bill Martin Jr and illustrated by Eric Carle
I Spy with My Little Eye written and illustrated by Edward Gibbs

Story Time:
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett
Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas
Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems

Book Buzz December, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:23:34 PST

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Bad Kitty is a bad kitty. A very bad bad Kitty. So why not read about Bad Kitty and how she celebrates Christmas? Nick Bruel’s newest kitty adventure had me laughing out loud. When Bad Kitty wakes up on Christmas Eve, to find nothing good under the Christmas tree, she decides to take matters into her own paws. Someone needs to teach Bad Kitty the true meaning of Christmas. Will she feel the holiday spirit? This is a holiday must read. Jacquie (J Fiction)

Magical Mischief by Anna Dale
When Arthur Goodenough steps into inside Hardbattle Books he expects to find an ordinary bookshop. Books are not all the shop contains; it also houses magic, and not the nice fairy dust and happily-ever-after kind of magic. This magic has brought disarray to Hardbattle Books and driven away most of Mr. Hardbattle’s customers. It’s time for Mr. Hardbattle to take action. A new home must be found and young Arthur can help. But what sorts of chaos will the magic cause in the meantime?
Alia (J Fiction)

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

by Uma Krishnaswami

Twelve year old Dini is NOT excited about moving to India for two years and leaving her best friend, Maddie, behind. However, Dini’s spirits lift considerably when she realizes her Bollywood idol, Dolly Singh, is staying in the very same village! Dini and Maddie have memorized every bit of Dolly’s movies and Dini is thrilled at the prospect of sending her friend an autographed photo of the star. This book is a fun exploration of friendship and fate that reads like a fast-paced film. Meghan (J Fiction)

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

by Brenda Woods

Saint is an eleven year old boy living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits the Gulf and changes the lives of the residents forever. He is a normal kid going about his business, the music business, playing to earn money for a new clarinet. Like other kids, he has his friends, his Mama and Pops, and his dog Shadow. This takes place a few days leading up to and a few days after the storm, and is a good introduction to the devastation of Katrina, without being too heavy. Kristin (J Fiction)

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

Leo, Amanda, and Rory are back for another fun story. Part of the Willow Falls series, 13 Gifts, introduces us to Tara, a sit on the sidelines type of girl. Tara never wants to make waves or break the rules, but somehow she ended up breaking into school and stealing a goat. Her punishment is spending an entire summer with her aunt and uncle in a small sleepy town. Tara meets a very unusual woman who turns her world upside down. In order to make things right, Tara will need to find 13 gifts for the woman. With the help of some brand new friends, Tara learns that life is better when it is played on the field and not on the sidelines. Jacquie (J Fiction)

This Week @ Story Time:

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:41:00 PST

What we read:

Little Listeners:

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly illustrated by Stephen Gulbis
In the Tall, Tall Grass written and illustrated by Denise Fleming

Story Time:

Ginger Bear written and illustrated by Mini Grey
Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? illustrated by David A. Carter
The Cow Loves Cookies written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Marcellus Hall

Children's VHS for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:29:33 PST

We are selling Children's VHS at the Children's Desk for $1.50. All profits will fund our growing DVD collection so come on by!

NYT 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:38:25 PST

The New York Times Book Review has announced its list of the 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2011. The list has been released early and the artwork from the winning books will be shown in the Children’s Book section of the Book Review’s Nov. 13 issue. You can check out the list of winners here.

We particularly enjoyed I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen and Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell. Feel free to share your thoughts on the list with us.

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:31 PST

What we read:

Little Listeners:

Rattle and Rap written and illustrated by Susan Steggall
Freight Train written and illustrated by Donald Crews

Story Time:
Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas
Big Frog Can't Fit In by Mo Willems
Jump, Frog, Jump! by Robert Kalan
The Croaky Pokey! by Ethan Long
Frogs in Clogs by Sheila White Samton

Amazon's Top 10 of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:31:41 PST

The gift giving season is upon us and Amazon's Best Books of 2011 list is out. Check out their picture book list here. The new Eric Carle tops the list!

This Week @ Story Time

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:43:15 PST

What we read:

Little Listeners:
Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean
Frogs in Clogs written and illustrated by Sheila White Samton

Story Time:
"I'm Not Cute!" by Jonathan Allen
Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Two Websites to Check Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:58:37 PST

The Whitney Museum Of American Art just launched For Kids, a new section of its site devoted to children ages 8 to 12. This interactive site provide biographies and overviews of each featured artist's work; current featured artists include Alexander Calder, Edward Hopper, Glenn Ligon, Claes Oldenberg and Cindy Sherman. Visit For Kids here.

Who doesn't love free? Cannon's Creative Park is filled with free print materials, including flashcards and kid's projects. Try printing out these educational cards to help children to learn about the different houses that animals live in here. Picture matching word cards are grouped under 'fruits & vegetables' and are available in 6 languages - Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, and Chinese. You can study the language of your choice here. And then try these flashcards of everyday items here.

El Dia de los Muertos

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:03:50 PDT

Today is El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration to remember those who have departed. On this day in Mexico, the streets near the cemeteries are filled with decorations of papel picado, flowers, candy calaveras (skeletons and skulls), and parades.

It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2. In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds known as cempazuchitl (also spelled zempasuchil) and most importantly a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar.

Check out a recipe for calaveras (sugar skulls) here.

Make a Day of the Dead skeleton puppet here.

The Smithsonian has a fabulous and kid-friendly site for more information on El Dia de los Muertos. Check it out here.

Looking for books on this holiday? You might want to try these:

Clatter Bash: A Day of the Dead Celebration by Richard Clemenson Keep (P KEE)

Maria Molina and the Days of the Dead by Kathleen Krull (P KRU)

Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead by George Ancona (J 393.9 ANC)

Books make the best gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Your Children's Librarian) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:24:09 PDT

Halloween is over and the stores are putting up the holiday merchandise. If you want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping check out our 2009 list on how to give a book as a gift. Or take a peek at our 2010 list of great book pairs.

Not ready to start shopping yet? Don't worry. We'll be back later with a 2011 gift list!