JCPL Kids

Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia has announced the launch of voting for the One Book 4 Colorado.  One Book 4 Colorado is a collaboration between the Lt. Governor's office, Reach Out and Read Colorado and the State Library aiming to provide a free book to every 4 year-old in the state! 

The books will be passed out at participating Reach Out and Read clinics and your own local public library later this spring.  But, in the meantime, YOU can help decide which book will be chosen! 

The candidates are.....

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon

or

Knuffle Bunny: a Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

Vote for your favorite now through January 31st.

Or, watch these videos of Colorado celebrities including Governor Hickenlooper, Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin and Denver Nuggets Kenneth Faried reading each book to help you decide.  

Which one is your favorite?  Tell us here!

There are lots of everyday objects lying around the house that can easily be turned into early literacy props. You can use all sort of props to get children playing and talking which will improve their narrative skills and vocabulary. Or you can make up a song to use with the prop. Singing helps children hear the sounds of words and moving to the music helps children develop motor skills, so give it a try!

Here's an idea of one to get you started:

There's A Bow on My Knee (Sung to the tune "If You're Happy and You Know It")

There's a bow on my knee, on my knee.

There's a bow on my knee, on my knee.

There's a bow on my knee, Now I'll take it off of me.

There's a bow on my knee, on my knee.

There's a bow on my nose, on my nose.

There's a bow on my nose, on my nose.

There's a bow on my nose, Now off away it goes.

There's a bow on my nose, on my nose.

Continue with similar verses - whatever you can think of!

(From Gayle Bittinger, Totline Magazine Nov/Dec 1996)

Stop by the library for other early literacy ideas, and bring your child to one of our storytimes to see how we use songs and props along with great books to promote early literacy in a fun way. 

—-- in the airport or airplane, train station, or rest area—we’ve all been there. What to do to avert disaster while traveling with your young one over this busy season?

Take a look at the 3 Dec 2012 forum “Ask the Expert” http://childrenscolorado.tumblr.com/, hosted by 9 News.com. This day’s dialogue focuses on Traveling with Toddlers and features tips from a Colorado Childrens Hospital early childhood psychologist, along with participants’ questions and answers.

If you like to peruse books, this sampling of JCPL books all have chapters on travel:

What to Expect the Second Year : from 12 to 24 Months by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel 

Juggling twins : the best tips, tricks, and strategies from pregnancy to the toddler years by Meghan Regan-Loomis

The toddler's busy book by Trish Kuffner

Read alouds are fun for bedtime and for the whole family.  With the holidays coming you should pick a couple, and snuggle-up and read! 

Check out the Jefferson County Public Library list of Great Family Read-Alouds, or try these books to enjoy together: 

Superdog: The Heart of a Hero by Caralyn Buehner

Library Lil is determined to make readers not only out of the once resistant residents of her small town, but out of a tough-talking, television-watching motorcycle gang as well.   For grades K to 3. 

 

 

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

 

Peter Hatcher tries to put up with his annoying, two year-old brother Fudge-- but, when Fudge takes his pet turtle, it's just too much!  For grades 2 to 4. 

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Read Aloud America's read aloud list

Featuring a wide variety of characters, cultures and appeal, this list features recommendations by age

Jim Trelease's Read Aloud Treasury

An updated list from the expert on reading aloud!

Mighty Girl read alouds for mighty girls

Read alouds featuring strong female characters for ages 6 to 13

And what happens right after we eat way too much on this happy, family holiday?  Hmm, perhaps we need to take a look at different ways to work off that big meal.  Besides driving immediately to the nearest park to kick the soccer ball around, here are some suggestions from the library:
 

Click on the Fun and Games button above to the right, and then Sports.

From there try different selections such as Skateboard Science or even Juggling!

Or try searching Kids InfoBits for more information on food and the human body, under "Health" and then "Food and Nutrition."

Still feeling too full and sluggish?  Then go to the library catalog and look for books or DVDs on fitness, yoga, nutrition or your favorite sport.  Try these:

Denise Austin's Fit Kids; a Fun Workout  DVD J 613.7042 Denise

Getting Stronger, Getting Fit : the Importance of Exercise by Jamie Hunt J613.7 Hunt

or a how-to book or DVD of yoga:

Strike a Pose by Karen Birkemoe J 613.704608352 Birkemoe 

The YogaKids 1, 2 or 3 series of DVDs found at J 613.7046 YOGAKIDS
 

Here is a story for younger kids:

The Great Shape-up by Eleanor May E Fiction May

And then finally, if you are really stuck for a new idea try
 

Babar's Yoga for Elephants E 613.7046083 Brunhoff

What is your favorite way to burn off some energy?