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FEBRUARY 27, 2013
Read Across America on Dr. Seuss' Birthday!

Did you know that Dr. Seuss's birthday is fast approaching? Born Theodore Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss was born on March 2nd, 1904. On the evening of March 2nd, this year, Random House and the National Education Association (NEA) want you to participate in the second annual Read Across America event and read to a child.

Jefferson County Public Library has many Seuss classics in its collection. Settle down together and enjoy The Cat- In-The-Hat, Hunches in Bunches, or Horton Hatches The Egg, to name a few. Find even more Seuss favorites in our online catalog.

Dr. Seuss' funny rhymes do more than just entertain. They help kids develop a skill called Phonological Awareness; which means that kids learn to recognize and play with the sounds contained in words. Rhymes are lots of fun, but they also develop language and reading skills!

Other great ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday include watching The Lorax and Horton Hears a Who on DVD, also available at JCPL. You can also get creative and create some great Dr. Seuss-themed crafts. Make your own Light Bulb Cat-In-The-Hat or a Horton Hears a Who craft!

Enjoy even more fun online at Dr. Seuss' website, Seussville.com.

Dr. Seuss' characters may have had trouble in getting to Solla Sollew, but we at JCPL hope you will have no trouble celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday and participating in Read Across America this year!

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posted by Sarah, Arvada Library

Categories: Read Alouds

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FEBRUARY 25, 2013
Fuzzy Friends Sleepover at Golden Library

Check out these pictures from the Fuzzy Friends Sleepover at the Golden Library. Kids brought in their favorite stuffed animals to stay the night at the library.

Staff and members of the Teen Advisory Board of Golden took pictures of what they did during their stay! Some enjoyed snacks while others played games and caused mischief. Take a look!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like they had a blast-- -what would you do if you could spend the night at the library? 

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

Category: Events

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FEBRUARY 22, 2013
Great family read alouds

With winter in full swing—and Read Across America just around the corner—, now is a great time to take advantage of those moments just begging for snuggling up together to share books everyone will love.

What makes a great read-aloud? Elements of a good family read include action, pacing, compelling characters, timeless themes, but most of all, a story or topic that captivates you.

What to read?

Jim Trelease’s Hey! Listen to This: Stories to Read Aloud offers up some wonderful read-aloud tips, as well as book suggestions, such as Where the Red Fern Grows by Marjorie Rawls; Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith; or Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar—a personal favorite.

Some top picks from GoodReads.com include such classics as Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis; House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne; and the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Naturalist and storyteller extraordinaire Gerald Durrell wrote My Family and Other Animals one of my all-time favorites read-alouds.

Want more book suggestions or tips?

Try PBS Between the Lions; NEA’s Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children; or Family Reading Partnership’s Read Aloud Resolutions.

Happy reading!

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posted by Susan, Belmar Library

Category: Read Alouds

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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 20, 2013
Newbery Honor winner Three Times Lucky

 

Three Times Lucky has won a Newbery Honor Award and is nominated for an Edgar Award.   

Eleven years after she washed ashore in Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, Miss Moses LoBeau (or Mo for short) is a rising sixth-grader. She helps out in the town's quirky cafe and is a founding member of the Desparado Detectives. Her summer is looking good . . . that is until Mr. Jesse is murdered, Miss Lana and the Colonel are kidnapped, and Hurricane Amy arrives. It's a good thing Mo has always been lucky!

Visit author Sheila Turnage's website to find out more about this lively book and how she decided to become a writer.

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posted by Sheryl, Columbine Library

Categories: AwardsNew Books

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FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Next time you're at the library- try a magazine

I love to read magazines when I'm relaxing. Sitting in a cozy corner with a new issue is a treat!  I am always looking for inspiration- whether it's for exercise or crafting or sports, there is something for everyone in a magazine.  It's great that the library gives me access to so many magazines without having to subscribe to them. You save a ton of money and don't have to deal with the clutter!

Did you know that the back issues of all our magazines check-out on your library card?

We have a wide variety for children (and grown-ups) of all ages. Here are just some of the magazines we have available.

Mom's and Dad's, did you know that magazines are great for reluctant readers?

With their colorful illustrations and photographs they are immediately engaging. Each magazine focuses on a particular subject, so the reader can concentrate on what they are most interested in. The articles are short and to the point and this can help children who might be overwhelmed with reading an entire book. There are so many different magazine subjects, it's easy to find one that is fun. When reading is enjoyed and no longer viewed as a chore or an assignment, children begin to become life-long readers.

So, next time you're at the library, try a magazine!

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posted by Connie, Lakewood Library

Category: Magazines

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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 11, 2013
Happy Birthday, Jane Yolen!

Jane Yolen turns 74 today!  She was born in New York City on February 11, 1939. She says her writing began at an early age.  In elementary school she wrote the music and lyrics for a school musical about vegetables, where she played a carrot and all the characters ended up in a salad for the grand finale!

Jane Yolen has three children-two sons and a daughter, Heidi, who is the little girl in Owl Moon. In this same book, the character Pa was based on Yolen’s late husband David.

Pirates and Petticoats was Jane Yolen’s first book.  She got it published when she was only 21 years old!  She has written over 300 books for children, teens, and adults. Aside from being an author, she is also a poet and a children’s book reviewer.  To find out more about Jane and her books, check out her website www.janeyolen.com.

Then, read some of her fabulous books!

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters: A Lullaby

The Devil’s Arithmetic

Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook For Young Readers and Eaters

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

My Father Knows the Names of Things

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

Owl Moon

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

Category: Author spotlight

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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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FEBRUARY 9, 2013
E BOOKS for little ones @ your Library

If you have a youngster in your home, and any kind of digital reading device, have we got a site for you!

The Jefferson County Public Library Kid’s Page contains a link to a Database known as BookFlix.  This is a multimedia literacy resource featuring dozens of video versions of classic children's books. The videos are paired with nonfiction e-books about topics related to the video. Each pair also includes additional resources such as author profiles, games, and links to web resources on relevant topics.

There are nine subject categories to choose from, with many books and activities in each category. Each book gives viewers the option to read along with the book by following highlighted text. This is a fun and interesting way to help children develop reading skills, whether they are already reading on their own, or just beginning to recognize letters and words. Most titles would be of interest to preschoolers through early elementary readers.

You can ask any Children’s Librarian to direct you to the awesome sight, or get to it from the link above.   If you're using it from home, you'll need your library card handy to get into the site.  However you get there, we know you’ll find lots of fun stories to entertain you and your emergent reader! Happy e-reading!

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posted by Trish, Belmar Library

Categories: early learning concepts

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FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Legos and lots of creativity at the Arvada Library

What do you get when you put plastic blocks and kids with lots of creativity together?  Check out the fabulous creations from Arvada Library's latest Lego program!

Join us for the next Lego program at Arvada Library on Wednesday, April 24th at 4:15 pm. 

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posted by Katie, Arvada Library

Category: Events

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FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Looking for a great mystery series?

Try Floors by Patrick Carman

The first book introduces our hero, Leo. He and his Dad are handymen at the bizarre and magical Whippet Hotel. When the owner suddenly disappears, Leo is up to his eyebrows in mystery…….and ducks!

Then read the sequel 3 Below and tell us how you like them!

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posted by Caroline, Columbine Library

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FEBRUARY 1, 2013
Brush up on history for Black History Month

February is Black History Month and a great time to learn about and recognize the contributions and history of African Americans. Here are just some of the great books you can read that are about Black History or are written by African American authors.

I just finished reading Christopher Paul Curtis' new book, The Mighty Miss Malone and it is great.  Deza Malone is a fourth grade whiz and she tells the story of a most important time in her life.

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Cruisers by Walter Dean Myers (This is a series!)

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine

Sometimes I think history can seem a bit boring or dull, but these books are winners!  Try one and let me know what you think.

Check out Reading Rockets' website for Black History Month and watch Reading Rockets' interviews with celebrated African American children's book authors and illustrators. If your favorite author is here, you can see what they look like! You will also find lots to see and do to celebrate this month.

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posted by Connie, Lakewood Library

Category: Events

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