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SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
Love Cookie Monster? Love Carly Rae Jepsen?

Sesame Street has done it again. They have created a fun take-off of Carly Ray Jepsen's song, "Call Me Maybe", where Cookie Monster asks people to share their cookies with him. Won't you share your cookie? 

Watch this fun video then check-out some of the great places for preschoolers to learn and play that the library has bookmarked for you on our children's page.
There are many fun videos to watch and "mouseless" games to try.

 

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posted by Connie, Lakewood Library

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed was actually born John Chapman on September 26, 1774. So why is he called Johnny Appleseed?  As the pioneers were starting to move west he traveled just ahead of them and planted thousands of apple seeds so they would grow into apple trees that could provide food for the settlers as they arrived.

To celebrate his birthday try these rhymes and crafts and create your own fun with apples:

"Eat an Apple"
Eat an apple; (bring hand to mouth)
Save the core. (cup both hands together)
Plant the seeds (bend down and touch hands to ground)
And grow some more! (stand up tall and extend both arms up and out)


(Adapted from Move Over Mother Goose by Ruth I. Dowell)


"Johnny Appleseed Song"
(sung to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
Plant, plant the apple seeds,
Plant them in a row,
Just like Johnny Appleseed did,
Many years ago.

Water, water, the apple seeds,
Watch them grow and grow,
Just like Johnny Appleseed did,
Many years ago.

Walk through the apple trees,
Walk through them fast and slow,
Just like Johnny Appleseed did,
Many years ago.

Pick, pick the apples ripe,
Pick them high and low,
Just like Johnny Appleseed did,
Many years ago.
(From Yankee Doodle Birthday Celebrations by Elizabeth McKinnon)


Apple Prints
Cut an apple in half and let it dry for an hour or so. Then lightly coat the cut side with paint and stamp on a piece of paper. Try some different colors - red, yellow or green for different kinds of apples.


Thumbprint Apple Trees
Make a tree out of construction paper or draw one with markers.  Then use a washable red ink or paint pad to press your thumb in and make thumbprint apples on the tree.


And of course you can stop by the library to get a book or DVD about Johnny Appleseed!


Do you have other ideas to celebrate Johnny Appleseed's Birthday?  Please share them!
 

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
Crack in the Sky

Like dystopian fiction? Try Mark Peter Hughes’ newest book, A Crack in the Sky (book 1 in the Greenhouse Chronicles series). If you enjoyed City of Ember, you’ll love this sci-fi/mstery/conspiracy novel.


 

Check out the book trailer.


Read more about Mark Peter Hughes on his website.
 

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posted by Caroline, Columbine Library

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2012
Bright Beginnings

Give your baby or young child the gift of a Bright Beginning.
The parent is the child's most important teacher.  Find out how you can enhance
your child's ability to achieve in school long before they sart school.

Jefferson County Public Library partners with Colorado Bright Beginnings to provide early learning tools for ages birth to 36 months.  Free bags containg such things as a local community resource guide,learning games to play with your baby or toddler, a board book plus much more are available simply by attending a 30 minute class at the library. Classes and materials are provided for three levels according to your child's age: birth to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, and 24 to 36 months. 

Two fo the JCPL libraries will be presenting classes this fall.  There will be other classes presented throughout the year.  Watch for signs announcing times in the Children's room or ask your children's librarian if they will be having a class soon.

For more information on Colorado Bright Beginnings, see their website: 
http://brightbeginningsco.org/

Current scheduled class times in JCPL:

Belmar Library:
Mon., Oct. 1, ages 24 to 36 months, 10:30 a.m. just after Toddler Time
Mon., Oct. 8, ages 12 to 24 months, 10:30 a.m. just after Toddler Time
Thur.,Oct. 11, ages birth to 12 months, 10:30 a.m. between Baby Times
 (Expectant mothers who are due within 2 months are welcome to attend this session)

 

Lakewood Library:
Sat., Oct. 20, ages birth to 12 months, 10:50 a.m. just after Baby Time (Expectant mothers who are due within 2 months are welcome to attend this session)
Sat., Nov. 3, ages 12 to 24 month & ages 24 to 36 months, 10:50 a.m. just after Baby Time


Tues., Nov. 6, ages birth to 12 months, 10:50 a.m. just after Baby Time (Expectant mothers who are due within 2 months are welcome to attend this session) 
Tues., Nov. 13, ages 12 to 24 months, 10:50 a.m. just after Baby Time
Tues., Nov. 20, ages 24 to 36 months, 10:50 a.m. just after Baby Time
 

Have you used Colorado Bright Beginnings materials before?

 

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posted by Rhoda, Belmar Library

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
ARRRGH!

Arrrrgh, and avast ye landlubbers, what’s so special about September 19?
Well, shiver me timbers, it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  In fact, THIS year is the 10th anniversary!
Pirates, both real and fictional, have been around a long, long time – did you know that Julius Caesar was captured by pirates?  Supposedly they asked for 30 gold coins in ransom, and he said he was worth 50! 

Blackbeard was known as the scourge of the high seas in the early 1700’s.
In Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson brought to life Long John Silver, generally considered the first well-known fictional pirate.  This classic adventure tale includes a stowaway, hijacked ships, buried treasure, a mutiny, and more – get a copy at the library and read for yourself!

 

Remember Peter Pan – and his enemy, the pirate Captain Hook?    The original story of Peter Pan was written by J. M. Barrie in 1911. 

 

A different story of Peter comes from Peter and the Starcatchers, a series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson,and is their story of where Peter came from, and what happened to him BEFORE he ever met Wendy.  The very popular four book series starts with Peter and the Starcatchers  and ends with Peter and the Sword of Mercy.

Peter and the Starcatchers is currently a stage show on Broadway, and Disney is making it into a movie in 2013.


There are LOTS of great stories and movies about pirates, and LOTS of fascinating TRUE information about pirates, at your local library.  Come check them out!

  
 

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posted by Leslie, Evergreen Library

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SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Fall is in the air!

Did you know that the first official day of fall 2012 will be Saturday, September 22nd? 

If you would like to read some fun picture books about Autumn and the changing leaves you might want to check out Mouse's First Fall by Lauren Thompson or my favorite, Fall is Not Easy by Marty Kelley.  The illustrations should put a smile on your face :)


Bob Raczka gets us in the mood for cooler days with Who Loves the Fall? and Fall Mixed Up, where the delights of autumn are described in mixed-up verse and illustrations, and the reader is challenged to uncover the errors. 


 

After reading one of our many stories and nonfiction books about the season hopefully you'll be ready for some fun in the leaves! 

Do you have any favorite books or activities your family looks forward to in the fall?  Share your ideas on our blog.

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posted by Donna, Columbine Library

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2012
Help choose the Colorado Children's Book Award!

View the nominees  below, then go on-line to print your ballot and cast your vote or take it to school and have your entire class vote!
Here are the nominees.

13 gifts by Wendy Mass

Always in Trouble by Corrine Demas

Chalk by Bill Thomson


Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger



Dogs in the Dead of Night by Mary Pope Osborne

Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray

I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen

If you Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder

Judy Moody Girl Detective by Megan McDonald

Meet me at the Moon by Gianna Marino

Otis and the Tornado by Loren Long

Pete the Cat: I love my new shoes by Eric Litwin

Scumble by Ingrid Law

Showoff by Gordon Korman

 Spoon by Amy Rosenthal

 The Surge by Roland Smith
 

 Tell the Truth B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra

 Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
 

 Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

All of these books are available at the library. My pick would have to be Pete the Cat: I love my new shoes by Eric Litwin.
Have you read the latest Pete book, Pete the cat and his Four Groovy Buttons? It's hilarious.
To learn more check the Colorado Children's Book Award and the Colorado Council International Reading Association websites.  

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posted by Connie, Lakewood Library

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SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
Arvada Library Toddler Storytime and Play Program



As soon as toddlers learn to toddle around, they're captivated with exploring their world and they are constantly on-the-go! That's why the Arvada Library holds a monthly Toddler Storytime and Play Program, geared towards children 18 months to three years of age. Instead of sitting quietly for a traditional storytime, toddlers and their caregivers participate in interactive cut-and-tell stories, play games together and engage gross motor skills by using scarves, balls, shakers and other learning props. The pace of this interactive program is geared towards a short toddler attention span and multiple activities keep the wee-ones hopping for 30 minutes.

If storytimes with your toddler are more frazzling than fun, the Toddler Storytime and Play program may be the program for you! Sign up today by visiting the Arvada Library Children’s Information Desk, or by calling the Arvada Library at 303-235-JCPL (5275).

Each program is from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Here are the program dates for the remainder of 2012:

Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, November 09, 2012
Friday, December 07, 2012

Has your toddler ever acted up in public? Got a funny, silly, or perhaps a downright embarrassing story to share? Leave a comment below and make another mom's day!

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posted by Sarah, Arvada Library

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Hey kids – was a library card on your school supply list?!

JCPL is joining libraries across the nation in celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month by reminding parents to get the ultimate school supply for their children and encouraging everyone to get a library card.

 
A library card gives patrons access to more than 1.3 million items in JCPL’s catalog, including books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, music, online databases, free programs, free admission to cultural institutions, free computer classes and free WIFI at all locations.
 
“The library is an important cornerstone of every community,” said JCPL Executive Director Pam Nissler. “It plays a vital role in the development and education of children, creating opportunities for lifelong learning and provides resources that many would not otherwise have access to. We encourage everyone, no matter their age, to get a library card and explore what we have to offer.”
 
To obtain a Jefferson County Public Library card, visit any of its 10 locations or apply online at http://jeffcolibrary.org/about/card.html. All that is needed is a photo ID and proof of current address. For students age 17 and younger, a parent's or legal guardian's permission is required.

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posted by Robyn, Arvada Library

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Be Creative @ Your Library: Come Paint with Us.



Visit our booth at the Summerset Festival at Clement Park on September 15th and 16th!
You can come and paint with us 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and 11 AM to 3 PM on Sunday.
Clement Park is located next to the Columbine Library.
Volunteers will be on hand to help you sign up for a library card.



 

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posted by Sheryl, Columbine Library

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
You Choose!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a knight?  Or a resident of ancient Greece?  Or to have lived during the golden age of pirates?

JCPL has a marvelous series of Interactive History Adventure books that allow you to put yourself into an adventure and choose the path you will take through history!  These 13 books are patterned after the classic fictional Choose Your Own Adventure series, but they are historically accurate and filled with great information about the lives and times they describe.

This is one of my favorite books in the series:  The Titanic: An Interactive History Adventure.

In this one, you, the reader, travel on the Titanic in 1912, and experience the ship's sinking from the perspective of a first-class passenger, a third-class passenger, or a crew member, depending on which pages you choose to turn. 

The fun of these books is that you can read them many times, and have a different adventure each time!

They are shelved in our nonfiction section, and are written for children in grades 3-7.

If this sounds like your kind of book, you can find them in our catalog  by entering "You Choose" as your title, and you will be given three sets of books to choose from:  You Choose Books, Historical Eras, and Warriors. 

Each book also offers you access to internet sites with additional facts and activities about the time period you are interested in.  They can be accessed through www.Facthound.com. You can search this website using the ID codes provided at the back of each book or by the general subject.

As always, your Children’s Information Services staff will be happy to help you locate these and other fascinating nonfiction books!  Happy travels through time!
 

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posted by Trish, Belmar Library

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Every Child Ready to Read--Starting at Birth

Learning to read begins at home long before children start school. You can help your child  by talking, singing, reading, playing and writing. 


Talking--any time, any where.  Listen, answer questions, add new information and listen some more! In the tub, the car, the store, waiting in line, doing chores and at meal time.


Singing--helps children hear the distinct sounds that make up words. Sing every chance you get. Clap, bang pots,jump and twirl.  Check out music CD's form the library or listen online. Try www.freesongsforkids.com or www.speakaboos.com/songs.


Read--the single best way to help children develop the essential skills needed to read. Create a comfortable space for you to read together. Make sure the books are reachable. Encourage the child to pretend read to you or a stuffed animal. Remember their questions and get books about their interests at the library.


Play--Children learn how to express themselves and the meaning of words by playing. With simple props, some imagination and encouragement your
child will turn a box into a race car and a sock into a puppet.Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to play.


Writing--reading and writing go together.  Writing helps children learn letter names and sounds.  Make it easy.  Set up a space with pencils,
crayons, or markers of different sizes and unlined paper.When writing letters start with favorite words such as their name or "Mom" and "Dad". Show them your writing.  Let them hold the grocery list while you shop. Write your child a note and leave it in the writing area. Display their writing for all to see.


For more ideas visit: http://www.storyblocks.org/

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posted by Barbara, Standley Lake Library

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2012
Happy Birthday Aliki



Children’s book author Aliki turned 83 yesterday! She was born in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey in 1929. Aliki began drawing when she was in preschool. In kindergarten she displayed her very first portraits, one of herself and her family, and another of Peter Rabbit and his family. She attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art where she graduated in 1951. After this, she painted murals, taught classes in art and ceramics, and started her own greeting card company to make money. Soon after she began traveling in Europe where she met her husband and moved to Switzerland with him. After learning that William Tell was Swiss, she visited the place where he lived and was inspired to write her very first children’s book, The Story of William Tell, which was published in 1960. You can read more about Aliki on the Something About the Author database.

You may recognize some of her non-fiction books for kids! These include:

Wild and Woolly Mammoths




Digging Up Dinosaurs




My Five Senses




You may like some of her stories too!

Quiet in the Garden




A Play’s the Thing




We Are Best Friends


 

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posted by Rachel, Golden Library

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