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Category: Holidays

MARCH 15, 2013
Green for Saint Patrick's Day

Green Green Green March is all about Green! Along with St. Patrick's Day it awakens the love of GREEN in me! Do you have a favorite Green book? Green cover? Green subject? Green character?

Look at all the great library books I found with a green theme

 

All this talk of green puts me in mind of an Irish limerick!

There once was two cats at Kilkenny,

Each thought there was one cat too many,

So they quarrell'd and fit, They scratched and they bit,

Till, excepting their nails And the tips of their tails,

Instead of two cats, there weren't any.

The library has lots of funny limerick books. Send me your favorite limerick! Happy St. Patrick's Day and don't forget to wear your green!

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posted by Connie, Lakewood Library

Category: Holidays

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FEBRUARY 21, 2013
Presidential Fiction for School Kids!

It's that time of the year when you get a day off school because two famous presidents had their birthdays in February. You may have to study these presidents in school - serious stuff!

But, did you know that there are stories about President Washington, President Lincoln and many other presidents (some are made up!), that are fiction - and fun to read? Sure there are!

Try some of these:

Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major by Ronald Kid

Here's an imaginary story of a kid who lives in the White House. His name is Archie Roosevelt, and his dad is President Teddy Roosevelt. He and his siblings find a treasure map that takes them on an adventure through the White House to a treasure they will never forget!

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells

This is a short book (only 96 pages) where the two sons of Abraham Lincoln (Willie and Tad) tell stories of their experiences with their dad. Well, really, Rosemary Wells is the author, who pretends that she is those boys telling their stories, with some history thrown in.

Ghosts of the Civil War by Cheryl Harness

Here is another short one, but this has an interesting twist. Lindsey goes on a trip with her family to a Civil War reenactment. She is bored and starts to talk to a kid dressed up in the clothes they would have worn back then. she doesn't know that she is talking to the ghost of Willie Lincoln, who takes her on a trip back in time to when he lived.

White House Dog by Jamie White

From the Martha Speaks TV series, this short book is about a president and his family who want a dog, and when the president finds out that Martha can speak, he knows she is the one.

The Ghost, the White House, and Me by Judith St. George

Oh, no, it's another ghost story! This one is about KayKay Granger, who finds out that there are ghosts in the White House. She plays a trick on her mother, the president of the United States! And that means big trouble!

Oh, Say, I Can't See by Jon Scieszka

The Time Warp Trio are whisked away from home on Christmas Eve and end up with the future President of the United States - George Washington. It is the night before the famous crossing of the Delaware River. If it weren't for Fred, Joe, and Samantha (and her cat), George Washington and his men might never have crossed the river and history would not be the same. If you haven't read any of the Time Warp Trio, try this short, illustrated and funny "fractured" history book!

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posted by Leslie, Standley Lake Library

Category: Holidays

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FEBRUARY 13, 2013
What (or Who) Do You Love?

As we look through library picture books during this Valentine’s Day season, what pops out as your favorite story?

What about an old standby from author Lorna Balian, the 1970’s classic A Sweetheart for Valentine?

 

You know the saying about how “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well, that is exactly this story. When a large baby in a large basket is left on the steps of the St. Valentine village hall, the villagers decide that she will belong to all of them and they name her Valentine. 

Here are some other library favorites:

Won’t You Be My Kissaroo? by Joanne Ryder, about little lamb’s birthday where he and other animal friends receive special kisses all day long. And if you like that, Ryder also wrote Won’t You Be My Hugaroo?

Another fun title is My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall. All the zoo animals in this book are made of heart shapes, more than three hundred hearts in all. Wow! How many hearts can you count?

And, here’s a favorite tune that comes from the song Skidamarink which the library has in book form, Skidamarink: A Silly Love Song to Sing Together with pictures by G. Brian Karas.  And, on CD:  Wiggleworms Love You

If you are looking for a longer book, try the latest Wimpy Kid book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  The Third Wheel, where poor Greg Hefley cannot find a date for the Valentine’s Day school dance.

The library has so many Valentines books and titles about love, hugs or kisses that you may just have to stop by and ask a librarian to help you locate one! What is your favorite book on the subject?

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posted by Carol, Evergreen Library

Category: Holidays

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FEBRUARY 10, 2013
Family Fun Nights at Columbine Library!

Join us the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Columbine Library for stories, games and activities for the whole family. 

This Tuesday- Love is in the Air!

February 12 at 6 p.m.

We'll share stories and play games that celebrate love and caring for others.  Make a special Valentines craft for someone you love! 

Tickets are required and are available online through our Calendar of Events one week in advance.  Register now!

 

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posted by Sheryl, Columbine Library

Categories: HolidaysEvents

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JANUARY 3, 2013
New Year's celebrations around the world

New Year’s is a time to celebrate in the United States and in other places around the world too! On New Year’s Eve in the U.S., many people stay up until midnight to ring in the first day of the New Year with noisemakers and fireworks. Many watch the Times Square Ball drop down the flagpole in New York at exactly midnight. The ball drop is a tradition that has been around since 1907!

A popular song sung on New Year’s in many English speaking countries is Auld Lang Syne. Read on to see how other countries around the globe celebrate this special holiday.

Japan

New Year’s is the biggest celebration in Japan. Here people clean their homes, send postcards to friends and family members, prepare huge dinners, and visit local shrines on New Year's.  On these occasions, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to drive away evil spirits.

Greenland

Greenlanders celebrate New Year’s twice. At 8pm they shoot off fireworks and eat a big meal because at this time it is midnight in Denmark. They repeat these festivities four hours later when it is actually midnight in Greenland. They observe the holiday twice to honor the two countries’ shared history and relationship.

Ukraine

In Ukraine, New Year’s Eve is like Christmas in the United States. On this night, children receive presents from Grandpa Frost, who leaves them under their trees, just like Santa Claus!

Sri Lanka

New Years' festivities often take place in April in Sri Lanka. At this time people participate in all kinds of activities ranging from pillow fights to cycle races. At the end of the old year all fires are extinguished. These are then relit when the new year begins.

France

In France it is a tradition to give flowers to family members older than you on New Year’s Day.

To find out more about how holidays are celebrated around the world check out the Culture Grams Kids Edition database. 

What is YOUR New Year's tradition?  Tell us in the comments below. 

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

Category: Holidays

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DECEMBER 18, 2012
Holiday Books

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

What would a list of Christmas books be without How the Grinch Stole Christmas? In this story the Grinch, a real grumpy creature, sets his mind to ruining Christmas for all the Whos in Whoville. He makes a plan to steal every bit of Christmas from their village from their ornaments and presents to their roast beast to their holiday feast, down to the very last crumb. He is surprised to find that their spirits are still high on Christmas morning and has to ask himself what the holiday is really all about.

Small, Medium, and Large by Jane Monroe Donovan 

In this wordless story, a girl asks Santa for some new friends for Christmas and is delighted with what she finds under the tree. Her gifts include a cat, a dog, and a pony. The girl and her three friends have a wonderful time sledding, having a snowball fight, making cookies, and snuggling and she realizes they are the best Christmas gifts ever.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

Told in funny rhymes, Stick Man is the story of a stick who becomes separated from his stick family by a series of events. First he is stolen by a dog playing fetch, then a swan uses Stick Man to build her nest, then a kid uses Stick Man as an arm for his snowman. Stick Man feels hopelessly lost until a certain man in a red suit with a bunch of reindeer rescues him and helps him to find his family again.

What Does Mrs. Claus Do? By Kate Wharton 

Have you ever wondered what Mrs. Claus does while Santa is busy delivering presents? This story has some good ideas. She might host a Jingle Bell Ball or develop new products like broccoli candy canes and supersized stockings. Or maybe she works on Christmas tree farms on the moon! You’ll have to read it to see.

A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe 

This book is about a tree in the forest that wants to become a Christmas tree more than anything. When he isn’t chosen to be taken home by any family, his animal friends from the woods decide to decorate him instead, showing him how much they appreciate the shelter, food, and warmth he provides for them. This story has some beautiful pictures so check it out!

The Chanukah Blessing by Peninnah Schram 

This is the story of a stranger who arrives at a house one cold night, asking for shelter and warmth. He is welcomed in by a mother and her five children, who barely have enough to eat for themselves. The stranger compliments their beautiful menorah but the children disagree , saying it is not splendid since it is made only from potatoes. In the morning there are special surprises waiting for them, though the stranger is nowhere in sight.

Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale by Sarah Marwil Lamstein 

Once in a faraway village there was nearly a year without Hanukkah because the earth was too dry, and the trees could grow no olives to make olive oil to light their menorahs. Hayim, the poorest man in the village, decided to write a letter to the Almighty, though many of the other villagers called him foolish for this idea. The letter is carried by the wind to a merchant far away who delivers oil to the village. After a terrible misunderstanding is straightened out, Hanukkah is celebrated and there is never another year without olives or oil.

Zigazak: A Magical Hanukkah Night by Eric Kimmel

In this story two devils are flying over the town of Brisk one night when they spot some menorahs in the house windows. They decide to play some pranks on the villagers, causing their dreidels to sprout arms and legs, their latkes to rise out of the pan and sail around the room, and candles to explode like fireworks. The townspeople all go to visit the Rabbi who surprises the villagers with his reaction. Instead of cursing the devils he tricks them into giving them coins and then into transforming into cockroaches, saving Hanukkah from their evil.

Do you have a favorite holiday story not on this list?  Please share it in the comments!

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

Category: Holidays

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DECEMBER 4, 2012
Celebrate Lagniappe in Olde Town Arvada

Tonight, December 4th, marks the annual Lagniappe (lahn-yap) celebration in Olde Town Arvada. A lagniappe is a small gift that is given to a customer at the time of purchase. Head down to Olde Town and join in as local business owners thank patrons with small gifts of appreciation such as hot chocolate and cookies. 

The Mayor will begin the festivities by lighting the Tree in Town Square. Olde Town will glow with holiday lights, carolers will sing traditional holiday songs, and Santa will be waiting to meet young children and listen to the Holiday wishes! To get more information visit the Historic Olde Town Arvada website.

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posted by Sarah, Arvada Library

Categories: HolidaysEvents

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!

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?

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posted by Carol, Evergreen Library

Categories: ActivitiesHolidays

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