NEW DATABASE ALERT

We have a subscription to a new database. I have yet to use it- it's that new. I'm told it's good for Science Fair projects, Maps of the World, Biographies, Current Events, and general fact finding. Email me for the password and log-in information. Give it a try and let me know what you think works well or doesn't.

SIRS DISCOVERER

Poetry 4 Kids

The first graders have enjoyed reading More Bears in the library this week. We've been able to discuss the importance of details and come up with quite a few descriptive ideas about chickens. (Ask your first grader.)


If you'd like to enjoy poetry by the author of this funny book, you can visit his website- Poetry 4 Kids. Ken Nesbitt is posting a holiday poem each day this month. Some of his poems have read aloud features and some have been made into videos. 

ENJOY!

Put a book on every bed

Yesterday I read this article in the paper. It describes how the first present every child should see on Christmas morning is a wrapped book on the foot of the bed. My son always receives books for Christmas, so I'm going to make sure they're the first present he sees. If you don't celebrate Christmas, choose a different day to give the gift of reading. I'm going to do it again on his birthday. I might do it again on the first day of summer.

The thought that a book is the special present you wake up to on your birthday or another special day in your family might remind our children how luxurious it is to spend the morning in bed reading.

If you want to start this tradition this year consider purchasing your book at one of our many local bookstores. There's Island Books on Mercer Island, Park Place Books in Kirkland. In Seattle, both The Secret Garden Bookshop and Mockingbird Books cater mostly to children. All of these stores have amazing selections and knowledgeable staff.

I'd be happy to make a personalized recommendation for your child.

Quotation of the Day

 Today a rather endearing first grade boy checked out this book. He held the book up to me, pointed to the flying astronaut, and said, "These guys are my bros." Not sure if that's the power of reading or the power of Lego.

Yet another reason to read to your children!

OK, I know I'm preaching to the choir. I'm sure if  you take the time to read your child's librarian's blog, you are reading to your kids. Thomas Friedman shares a report about the power of reading to your child and taking interest in his/her learning.

How does this quotation make you feel? 
"...just asking your child how was their school day and showing genuine interest in the learning that they are doing can have the same impact as hours of private tutoring."


Read the whole article here.

A rare movie recommendation!

The movie is coming, the movie is coming! I loved Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret so much that I think everyone should read it. And now the book is being made into a movie and it premiers in two, count them, two days! It better be as good as I think it's going to be.


Here's a link to how movies affected the book. 


Here's a link with information about the movie- trailers, theaters, etc.

Ready, Set, Read!

Love books. Your child can earn free books simply by reading. All your child needs to do is read a minimum 20 minutes a day for 20 days and then head over to the King County Library of your choice to turn in a Ready, Set, Read form.

Click HERE to download a form.

For more information on King County Library System’s Ready Set Read Program click HERE.