Moon Library Kids

Celebrate Popcorn Day!

2012-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Today is National Popcorn Day! Whether you love yours with butter and salt or caramel and nuts, there is a popcorn lover in all of us.

We're celebrating today with a program at 6:30 for kids in grades 1-5. We'll try out some different flavors, learn some fun facts about popcorn and play a game or two. Register now if you haven't already!

Read more cool facts about popcorn at http://www.popcorn.org/

Happy Birthday Winnie the Pooh!

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

It's Winnie the Pooh's Birthday and we're going to celebrate! Join us for a birthday bash for our favorite honey-loving bear.

10:30 AM at the library!

Books 'N Cooks

2012-01-15T00:08:00.000-08:00

This year we're starting a new book club for kids called Books 'n Cooks. Each month we will be reading a new book and making something scrumptious to chomp on while we talk. Our first pick is My Weird School: Ms. LaGrange is Strange by Dan Gutman.

I've ordered multiple copies that are available at the library for you to pick up!

Call for information or register online.

Help Me!

2012-01-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do as a Librarian is....buying new books! I try to read as many of the new books that come in so that I can help your children find something they will love. Therefore, I love to get feedback on what that is!

So here's the question: what are your or your children's favorite books and/or series?

Are you an Pinkalicious fan? Do you dream about the Elephant and Piggie? Or are you thrilled by spooky tales and puzzling mysteries?

I want to know! If we don't already own copies of your very favorites, I will make sure to get them :)

Our new Rhymes&Songs section. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Gretchichi.

You can tell us below in the comments or send us an email at crstaff@darienlibrary.org.

Happy Reading!

Reading=Happy Kids!

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Can reading aloud to children help with temper tantrums?

According to a new study in Early Childhood Research Quarterly, it can! Researchers found that toddlers who possess a spoken vocabulary at 24 months show an increased ability to eventually control their emotions and self-regulate. The rationale behind the findings is that children who have the ability to verbalize their frustrations are able to more effectively control their own behavior.

And what time-tested method have parents and caregivers used for generations to help babies and toddlers begin to develop language skills? Reading aloud to them! So, stop by our Children's Library and check out some Tantrum Stoppers...BOOKS!

Kids Love the Web

2011-12-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

Looking for fun and educational websites for kids? The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), which is a division of the American Library Association, just launched a fantastic, newly-designed resource: Great Websites for Kids.

The site compiles exemplary websites geared to children from birth to age 14 and are selected by a committee of librarians from around the country. To help narrow down the many choices and select only the best of the best, the committee uses the following guidelines (adapted from the Great Websites for Kids Selection Criteria):

Storytime Rocks!

2011-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Story Time!!

I often get questions from parents and grandparents about which story time best suits their child. Here are some guidelines when deciding.

Little Listeners

This is a fantastic, high-energy, BUSY program! We have children anywhere from 3 months to 5 years that attend one of our Monday sessions. We do not read any books, but instead we focus on literacy through music, rhymes, fingerplays and songs. This class is repetitive, as professionals agree that this is the best way for young children to learn and they thrive on routine. You'll quickly get the hang of this class and hear favorites such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "The Wheels on the Bus." This is a great opportunity for children to begin socialization. The success of this program depends on parent participation and is an excellent time to bond with your child.

I Am 3!

This storytime is a transitionary program for children who are at least 3 years old. It is a 1/2 hour class in which we read short, repetitive stories, sing songs and learn new fingerplays. Afterwards, the children will make a simple craft. Parents are invited to join their child if they are new to the class, but our goal is to get the children to attend on their own.

Book Buddies

This story time is perfect for the 4,5 & 6 year old child. It is a bit longer, usually 45 minutes. We will typically read about 3 picture books, and also sing some fun songs. We will end with a craft that is related to our theme. This class is for the independent child who can sit for an extended period of time on their own.

Family Bedtime Stories

This is our evening program that usually follows the same format as Book Buddies. Parents are required to attend with their children, and it is open for ages 2 and up.

We hope that you will join us for a program this winter!!

Easy Readers? Hard to understand!

2011-12-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

Understanding Leveled or Easy Readers
One of the most asked question for a children's librarian is how to find books in a child's reading level. Parents, caregivers, and children will frequently come to us with a Leveled Reading list or instructions from their teachers to find books for AR (Accelerated Reading).

Here are a few ways to find great books for your child:

1. Ask a Children's Librarian.

We pride ourselves on knowing great children's literature and enjoy making recommendations. We will usually begin by asking you or your child what kinds of books you've read recently and whether those books felt "just right" or not. We can help you find similar titles, ones that are a little harder, or a little easier.

2. Check out our Easy Reader section.
For children just learning to read on their own, a great place to browse is in our Easy Reader area. These books, also known as beginning readers, are designed to help newly emerging readers recognize common vocabulary, anticipate rhyming words, construct meaning through carefully placed illustrations, and build confidence. These are arranged by Levels 1-3. Our books will typically have the AR point value and reading level written on the inside front page.

3. Use the Five Finger Rule.

What do the levels really mean? It can be frustrating for both parents and children to locate books on their assigned reading level. Oftentimes, the lists given to parents contain titles that are out of print or unavailable.

One simple and effective way to judge whether any given book is too hard or too easy is The Five Finger Rule. Here's how it works:

- Ask your child to start reading a page from the book. Anytime they come to a word that they cannot pronounce or don't understand, hold up a finger.

- One finger means the book in question is probably too easy.

- Four or five fingers means the book in question is probably too hard.

- Two or three fingers means the book is probably JUST RIGHT.

Happy Reading!

It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!

2011-09-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me where they come up with this stuff, but today it's time to say "AARGH!" We're celebrating with Pirate Storytime this Wednesday and Thursday, and you can stop by the library and check out one of these great books! Click on the image for catalog information.

Or find a ton more at the library!

September is Hispanic Heritage Month!

2011-09-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Spanish is becoming an increasingly prevalent language in the United States. Why not check out one of our bi-lingual books to share with the kids, a Spanish-English picture dictionary, or an excellent children's book by a Hispanic author?

Here are a few great picks:

Rubia and the Three Osos

What Can You Do With a Paleta?

The Gingerbread Man= El Hombre Pan de Jengibre

My Room= Mi Cuarto

DK First Spanish Picture Dictionary

Esperanza Rising

Josefina Learns a Lesson

Happy Birthday....

2011-09-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Roald Dahl! One of my all-time favorite authors. If you aren't familiar, he's the genius behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Kids love him and you will, too! Some of my favorites are Mathilda, The Twits and George's Marvelous Medicine. Stop by the Children's Department and I'll tell you more about them!

Grandma, Mimi, Nonni, Nana, Grammy

2011-09-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today is National Grandparents Day. Why not have your little write a special letter to one of their favorite people, or ask them what their favorite book was as a child!

Happy Birthday....

2011-09-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Jack Prelutsky! He's one of my favorite children's poets, and kids LOVE his stuff! He's silly and quirky. Here's an excerpt from "Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face:"

Be glad your nose is on your face,

not pasted on some other place,

for if it were where it is not,

you might dislike your nose a lot.

Imagine if your precious nose

were sandwiched in between your toes,

that clearly would not be a treat,

for you'd be forced to smell your feet.

Stop by the library and check out some of his awesome, silly poetry collections!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover 2011

2011-09-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

Each summer we have a slumber party for our patron's favorite furry friends. This year we had a great time and so many new friends were made!

Big Bunny was taking over Miss Megan's desk!

Doggy was caught sneaking a late night snack!

The whole crew!

Did you know...

2011-09-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Hopefully you already have this all-important piece of plastic, but just in case you don't, it's a piece of cake to get! Just stop by the library with a picture ID and you'll receive your card right away. Don't forget to tell your friends and family and bring the little one into for their first card as soon as they turn 3!

Dudes Read!

2011-08-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

As a mom of two sons, I know that it's not always easy to find books that engage and entertain them, especially when reading competes with sports, video games and friends. Working in the library, I've noticed alot of boys are into non-fiction titles, and I wanted to share a few awesome series that you may want to check out for the little dudes in your life! WARNING: these books are gross...boys like gross. :)

Behold...The Fact Finders Disgusting History Series. I warned you. These are really gross, but full of historical facts that kids will be riveted by!

Is That a Fact? Series These are terrific for de-bunking popular gross-out urban legends. Colorful pictures, simple 2-page spreads AND they are AR!

Is your little one leaving the nest?

2011-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest parts about being a parent is letting your kids go, and we all get the first taste of that when they start school. Sometimes I think it's harder for us than it is for them! We have two fantastic programs coming up..."I'm Going to Preschool" on Monday, August 29th @ 10:30 AM and "I'm Going to Kindergarten on Tuesday", August 30th @ 10:30 AM. You can register for them here.

Is it really over?

2011-08-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is ending. Really! I'm sure you're all busy with back-to-school shopping and squeezing any last-minute pool time in. Stop in to see me at the library if you have a few free minutes!

Cancellation

2011-07-21T11:50:00.001-07:00

PATRON PET SHOW CANCELLED-- Due to the heat advisory, we are unfortunately cancelling this event that was scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, July 22 at the Moon Township Public Library. We hope to reschedule at a later date and apologize for any inconvenience.

Mark Your Calenders!

2011-07-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of planning a HUGE event to mark the end of this year's Summer Reading Club. It will take place on Saturday, August 27th from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Details coming soon!!!

Science in the Summer Sign-Ups Have Begun!

2011-07-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's one of our most popular programs and sign-up day has arrived!

GlaxoSmithKline and the Carnegie Science Center will be bringing their wildly popular Science in the Summer program to Moon Library again! This year's theme is Chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry changes different states of matter. They will grow crystals, experiment with dry ice and perform various experiments with reactions that will delight and amaze. Students will receive safety glasses, lap aprons and activity books. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion at a ceremony that families will be invited to attend.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND WHEN DECIDING TO PARTICIPATE: STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL FOUR CLASSES ON AUGUST 1ST-4TH. GRADES 2-4 AT 9:30 AM GRADES 4-6 AT 11:00 AM.

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY POPULAR AND IN-DEMAND PROGRAM. REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Check out story time on our Moon Library website!

2011-06-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJAdYIFa6E0&feature=player_embedded#at=321

Attention Moms

2011-06-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Although I talk mostly children's books on our blog, I wanted to let you in on a little secret. You deserve to enjoy a good book of your own! I applaud all parents out there who are reading to their little ones, but sometimes we forget to tend to our own literary needs. I often have people ask me about what books I've read lately, and often times they are surprised at my answer. I love YA. Young Adult. Seriously! You have to give this genre a try. Some of the best books that I've read are written for a teen audience. You can find anything from romance to coming-of-age, mystery to dystopian worlds, fantasy to humor. I don't tend to read the "teeny-bop" stuff, but if you haven't checked out these books, you really should.

I have to cut this list short, as I'll go on for pages and pages, but here are a few of my favorites:

The book thief / by Markus Zusak.

Shiver / Maggie Stiefvater.

An abundance of Katherines / John Green.

Between shades of gray / Ruta Sepetys.

The rock and the river / Kekla Magoon.

Revolution / Jennifer Donnelly.

Wintergirls / Laurie Halse Anderson.

Get Trackin'!

2011-06-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

We have officially kicked off our 2011 Summer REading Club and I want to congratulate all of those who are participating this year! You can track your hours online simply by going to http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=moon! You are welcome to come into the library and sign up if you haven't already.

Good Luck and Keep Reading!

Children's Books Are Everywhere This Summer!

2011-06-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite children's classics is Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater. This book is hilarious and super sweet, a perfect read-aloud for the family. Now you can catch Jim Carrey in the title role in the motion picture release on June 17th!

Judy Moody Goes Hollywood!!

2011-06-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, in case you haven't heard...Miss Judy Moody is set for her own big screen debut this summer on Friday, June 10th! What a great way to spend the night before our HUGE Summer Reading Kick-Off Party!!!

We're Still Here!

2011-05-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

One of the bad things about our break to prepare for Summer Reading is that I miss seeing all of my library kids! We may not have storytime at the moment, but there is still lots to do at the library! Stop by and say hi to Miss Megan and the Library Frogs, Captain Underpants and Fancy Nancy! Mondays are Kinder Krafts between 10-2. Just drop in and grab a make or take craft for you and the little one. Don't miss out on ABC Play, which is open Fridays from 10-12 upstairs in the Sky Room. No registration is necessary.
So, don't be a stranger!

My New Favorite Little Lady

2011-05-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you all to my very favorite new book character, Chamelia. She is the star of her first book by Ethan Long. Chamelia is a chameleon, and although most chameleons like to blend in, Chamelia prefers to stand out. She just loves being the center of attention. She is absolutely fantastical! Come to the library and meet her for yourself!

It's That Time Of Year Again!

2011-05-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Starting on June 1st, you can pre-order your children's Vacation Kits. Simply fill out a form, available at the library, and drop it off at the library or email it to me at goodem@einetwork.net. Here are few FAQ's about the kits:

1. Kits are available for children ages 3-12.
2. Kits include books, music CD's, books on CD, DVD's, activity sheets and small treats. You choose which of these materials you would like included.
3. All kits are checked out for 3 weeks from your pick-up date.
4. Kits MUST be requested at least 1 WEEK PRIOR to desired pick-up date.
5. We will do our best to include items specifically chosen for your child's interests and hobbies.
6. Please give as much detail as possible regarding child's interests.
7. ALL books, cd's, dvd's must be returned to your library by the due date or normal fines apply. Activity sheets, treats and bags are for you to keep.

Happy travels!

Way back in 1882...

2011-05-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

On this date, The Brooklyn Bridge first opened! Try out one of these great reads about this historic structure!

Twenty-One Elephants by Phil Bildner (2004) is about a little girl who grows up watching the bridge being built.

Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse (2008) is the story of 1903 Brooklyn and fourteen-year-old Joseph Michtom's life changes for the worse when his parents, Russian immigrants, invent the teddy bear and turn their apartment into a factory, while nearby the glitter of Coney Island contrasts with the dismal lives of children dwelling under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Happy Birthday Margaret Wise Brown!

2011-05-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

Today is Margaret Wise Brown's birthday! Thanks to her we have Goodnight Moon, Big Red Barn and The Friendly Book among countless others.

You're Caught!

2011-05-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that May is Get Caught Reading Month? We dare you!

How do you read?

2011-05-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

When my oldest child was little and I had the privilige of being a stay-at-home mom, we would read for hours on end. We took two weekly trips to the library and would bury ourselves under stacks of picture books on fun afternoons. With the popularity of ebooks, Kindles and the like, I wonder how the face of reading is changing for parents and little ones. Has this technological movement affected your reading habits with your children?

Bubble Gum Blast!

2011-05-14T12:55:00.001-07:00

We had a pretty fantastic time at the library today! Kids in grades 1-5 were invited to come to our Bubble Gum Blast program. We had a taste test with about a gazillion different flavors of gum. We played pin the gum on the wall, had a guessing game, made sculptures out of chewed gum, had a bubblegum hunt and had a bobbing for bubblegum contest...in whipped cream. All in all...a sticky success!

Don't you miss us??

2011-05-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

Can't remember where you put your little one's winter hat? Where did that darn jacket go? Many sleepless nights because a favorite stuffed friend is missing? Check out our lost and found! We've got clothing, toys, sunglasses, purses, you name it. Just check at the Circ Desk...we'd love to reunite you two!

We're display crazy!

2011-05-12T01:52:00.000-07:00

Here in the Moon Township Public Library's Children's Department, we are all about displays. We have several going on at any given time, and they've become a highlight of our area. "Miss Megan's Picks" feature books that I'm loving at the moment or in moment's past. We have a new books display which showcases titles that we've added within the last month or so. Next door to that we have a rotating feature display which is currently all about Sports Nuts. Hop on over to our picture book section where we have a seasonal display of books, a superhero display and another rotating display on various topics. Check us out!

Is that SUNSHINE I see???

2011-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty super fantastically wonderful to see all of the kiddies coming into the library in shorts and sandals. I think we're headed into summer...and you know what that means! Our Summer Reading Club is going to be massive this year! We will be travelling the globe with One World, Many Stories. We're having programs galore and more fun than you can shake a stick at! Keep your calender clear for Saturday, June 11th...our annual Kick-Off Celebration. It's gonna be big!

Battle of the Books 2011

2011-05-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome Battle of the Books this year with over 30 teams from Moon and Rhema 5th grades. It is very encouraging to see so many children this enthusiastic about reading! Can't wait for next year!

Check it out!

2011-03-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Think there's nothing new to do around town? Think again! Check out this awesome website for some great information on kids in da 'burgh!

http://pittsburghiskidsburgh.com/

Mouse Story Time!

2011-03-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

We had an absolute blast today at our Stories & Songs 2&3 year old story time. We read about some sneaky little squeakers, did some fun fingerplays and wiggled ourselves silly. Afterwards we made these adorable mouse masks. Super fun!

Baton Twirling 101

2011-03-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

What an amazing way to bring in Spring! We had a baton twirling class on the lawn of the library today. We saw people in shorts...SHORTS!

Happy Soon-To-Be-Spring everyone!

Meet RC!

2011-03-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading at the library has a new face! Meet RC (short for Reading Creature...pretty clever, eh?). You'll be seeing lots of him cropping up on websites, billboards and everything library! This cool little dude is here to remind you that this summer, the library is THE place to be!

2011 Battle of the Books

2011-03-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Battle of the Books 2011

The Battle Day is fast approaching! Hopefully everyone is enjoying their books and getting ready to rumble! If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the library 412-269-0334, or through email: goodem@einetwork.net. Here is some important information for you all to reference as needed.

Good Luck!

This year's battle will take place on Thursday, April 7th @ 7:00 pm in the Moon Middle School Gymnasium. Please arrive by 6:45pm.

Students must know the author of each book, but spelling is not mandatory.

2011 Battle of the Books Reading List

Anything But Typical                                                   Baskin

The Aurora County All-Stars                                      Wiles

Brendan Buckley's Universe & Everything In It            Frazier

The Castle Corona                                                     Creech

The Invention of Hugo Cabret                                    Selznick

Island of the Blue Dolphins                                        O'Dell

Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories         Scieszka
   About Growing Up Scieszka

The Master Puppeteer                                              Paterson

The Mozart Question                                               Morpurgo

On the Wings of Heroes                                           Peck

The Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan         Flanagan

Savvy                                                                      Law

The Secret Science Alliance & the Copycat Crook          Davis

Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason and Gareth      Alexander

Zoobreak                                                                   Korman

Movie Time!

2011-03-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Epic announcement! Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2: Rodrick Rules hits movie theaters Friday, March 25th! WOO HOO!Check out the trailer!

ACCCA!!! AWARDS! AWARDS! AWARDS!

2011-03-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

For the first time, ever...as in...EVER, we present to you the ACCCA (Allegheny County Children's Choice Awards)!!!!

The Allegheny County Children's Choice Awards (AC3A) is a county-wide initiative to get kids in grades 4-6 reading and talking about books and the chance to select the best book of 2010! In March 2011 participating students will be given the opportunity to cast their vote in a county wide election of the best book of 2010. The winner will announced at a reading celebration in April at the Heinz History Center. This event will allow students from all over the county to connect over reading and celebrate the chosen title. The event will also allow public librarians to alert students and teachers about the Summer Reading Club which ties one school year to the next by encouraging students to read over the summer and participate in programs at the public libraries.

The Contenders:

Big Nate: In a Class By Himself by Lincoln Peirce
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian
Nature Girl by Jane Kelley
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Scumble by Ingrid Law
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
The 39 Clues: Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix

So, what are you waiting for...START READING!!

Welcome Girl Scouts!

2011-02-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

We're having a Girl Scout Troop visit our library this evening as they attempt to earn their Point, Click and Go! Badge. They are learning how to use computers and completing some activities at the library to help them with this achievement. Hopefully, you've found this page, girls! Congratulations!

Daddy's Little Girl's

2011-02-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Today was our Father Daughter Craft & Movie event. They chomped on popcorn, watched Annie and made some pretty fancy crafts. It was so nice to see the dads get a chance to come out to the library and spend time with their little ones. What a fun day!

Getting Connected

2011-02-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

We are stepping into the 21st century at Moon Library and taking our Children's Department registration online! Beginning February 28th, all children's events, storytimes, and programs will be available for online registration. Through our homepage at www.moonlibrary.org, you can register on Eventkeeper under our Full Calender. As always, you can call or email with any questions. We're hoping it's a smooth transition that will benefit all!

Our Furry New Friends

2011-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

We had 4 beautiful Greyhounds come to visit from the Three Rivers Greyhound Rescue League. Thank you to all the volunteers who shared these amazing animals with us and to all who came out to support this cause! Enjoy all of the pictures on our Flickr site!

THE GREYHOUNDS ARE COMING...THE GREYHOUNDS ARE COMING!

2011-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, Jan. 29th, stop by the library between 1-3 to meet some of the Three Rivers Greyhound Rescue Dogs. Learn all about these gentle giants that are often called "The 45- mph Couch Potatoes!"

Up and Coming

2011-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

We've been pretty busy trying out some new programs at the library, and we've got a couple more in store for you! We recently launched our ABC Play open play hour on Fridays from 10:30-11:30. Think kids, toys and fun! It seems to be a big hit and you should stop by if you have a chance. We've been kicking around the idea of starting a "Kinder Craft Club" for ages 3-6 with a parent. Keep a look out in the coming months for it and other new programs.

Book Flicks

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

When I hear a children's book is being turned into a movie, I'm initially very excited. Then I begin to worry, really worry that they will ruin a beloved tale and turn kids off from it altogether. Either that, or they will change the story so much that it becomes virtually unrecognizable once Hollywood gets done with it. Having said that, I'm interested to hear that The Giver by Lois Lowry is going to the big screen. It is supposedly i9n pre-production so no release date has been set. Here are a few other children's tales that are are rumored, in the process, or are becoming movies making their way to a theatre near you (eventually).

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Adventures of Tin Tin by Herge
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) by J.K. Rowling
Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
The Witches by Roald Dahl
Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

Battle for All?

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you may know, each year the Moon Library sponsers a Battle of the Books tournament for 5th grade students in the Moon and Rhema schools. This has become a huge endeavor that kids, parents, teachers and librarians look forward to each year. I've been throwing around the idea of having a Family Book Battle for younger kids, and am wondering if anyone has any thoughts? Could be super fun!

Doll Winter Tea Party

2011-01-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today we had our Doll Winter Tea Party. The girls all dressed up in party clothes and brought their favorite doll. We had tea and juice, lavender cupcakes, spun sugar sandwiches and brownies. We made princess bookmarks and took lots and lots of pictures. All of the girls introduced their dolls and had lots of fun playing with each other. Check out the photos on our Flickr page!

Awards, awards!

2011-01-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my all-time favorite day of the year in the world of books. The American Library Association (ALA) announced the winners of their Youth Media Awards. The Newbery Award went to Moon Over Manifest, by debut author Clare Vanderpool. The Caldecott was awarded to A Sick Day For Amos McGee written and illustrated by Philip and Erin Stead. Debut authors for both awards! Amazing!

Check out this link for a full list of the winners!

http://www.atyourlibrary.org/2011-youth-media-awards-have-been-announced

Got Flickr?

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

We have a new Flickr account for Moon Township Public Library Children's Department! You should see a Flickr box with images on the side of this blog. Follow that link to see pictures from various programs, events and story times! This is a great way to share with dads, grandparents and friends, and anyone else who missed out on all the fun. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21324006@N07/5306611213/

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Resolution is to revamp our blog! We have tons of new things happening at the library. January brings our new ABC Open Play group. Kids birth and up with an adult caregiver can stop by the library anytime between 10:30-11:30 on Fridays to play and socialize. We have lots of great new toys and educational materials for you to have fun with. I can tell you that I had alot of fun shopping for them! We also have our new Kid's Advisory Board. All students in grades 3-5 can join this club to meet once a month and brainstorm ideas to make our library an even cooler place! We'll also be hosting Three Rivers Greyhound Rescue as they bring some dogs for a meet and greet on 1/29 at 1:00pm. Stop in and find out what else we have going on for the new year!

First Day Jitters

2010-08-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the end of August and many of you have watched your little ones go off on the school bus today. I sent my oldest off to his first year of middle school, and my youngest to first grade. Talk about a rough morning! It's very hard to watch them grow up so quickly, but the flip side is that I get to enjoy all of the little ones that come to library programs during the day! I've been working hard over the summer to get things ready for fall events, and I'm hoping that you and your children will enjoy them as much as I do! I wanted to share with you a book that we recently bought for the library, and that my first grader and I have been laughing over for the past few days. It's called "Interrupting Chicken" by the wonderful David Ezra Stein. This tale has Grandpa Chicken trying desperately to calm his young grand-chicken with a bedtime story. Each time he starts a new book, such as Hansel and Gretel or Chicken Little, the youngster shouts the ending. This is one of the best read-alouds that I've come across in awhile, and my son asked for it to be repeated over and over. I can't wait to share it in storytime, and I hope that you'll stop in and check it out for yourself!

Where has the summer gone??

2010-08-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I have been away from the blog for far too long, but Summer Reading was consuming all free time and then some! We had a fantastic summer this year, with over 400 kids registered and involved with the program and various activities. The library had it's first family bingo, which was wildly successful, and I'm planning another for Halloween. It was really cool to see families meeting up with each other and hanging out for an evening of fun. All of our elementary programs were a blast from our Spongebob Party to our Life-Sized Candyland, the kids were ecstatic, as was I! One of my favorite programs this summer was, surprisingly enough, one that took little effort on my part. We had a Water Art day, in which the kids were free to use their imagination and use different art tools from water colors to tempera paints and sand. I can honestly tell you that it was the most quiet our library had been all summer long. The kids were absolutely enthralled with what they were doing, and it was super fantastic to see what they came up with. We strung the finished products up on clothesline in the craft room for all to see. Our End of Summer Reading Party was a blast. We had Magic Man TJ Hill perform, the kids picked their free books, and we pulled the winners for all of the different raffle prizes. We had over 1oo people come out and celebrate, and I'm so thankful for all of the support!

So, with the end of Summer Reading, now comes a bit of a rest for me here at the library, but I'm busy planning all of our Fall activites. We are going to continue with some new programs and bring back some old favorites. Little Listeners, Book Buddies and Stories and Songs will all pick up again beginning the week of September 13th. We will be adding the Kid Aerobics for the fall, as well as a Family Storytime in the evenings. I'd like to have Bingo each month at the library, and we are also offering the wildly popular Abrakadoodle classes again. You can check the website for details. I'm most excited for Halloween this year, my absolute favorite. This year, our teen librarian, Heather Panella and I are putting together a Haunted Library. We plan on going all out for this one, so be sure and keep October 30th free in your date books! Also, on September 18th we will be having Mark Hayward, a top-knotch yo-yo expert come to the library for a fun-filled family program.

In the meantime, this month we're having a Movie Night with Diary of a Wimpy Kid, our 3rd Annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Get Ready for Kindergarten program and Science in the Summer.

As you can see, busy, busy!! And be sure to stop in and say hello...it's awfully quiet around here without Story Time!

Summer Fun

2010-06-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has finally arrived for our Summer Reading Club, and our kick-off party on June 12th was a complete success. We had over 250 children sign up for summer reading, and countless others for the weekly programs. I'd like to thank all of you that helped make it so much fun, and I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves, as well! You can check out tons of pictures from the event, and other programs by going to http://www.missmeganisreading.pbworks.com/ and requesting access to the wiki! We have started this summer off with some super-cool programs, including a Spongebob Squarepants party which found elementary students crafting their own Spongebob's, as well as having a sponge race out on the back patio. Our first Stories & Songs program with the 2's and 3's went very well, with lots of songs and fun for Father's Day. We still have room for some of our Family Programs, as well as spots open, as of right now, for the Lego Clubs. And, as always, you can stop in and sign up for the Summer REading Club and get entered for lots of prizes and fun!

If you haven't had a chance to come in lately, please do! Thanks to numerous staff and volunteers, we've transformed our Children's Department into a Water Wonderland!

Net Surfin' Newbies

2010-06-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

In the land of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and countless other social networking sites, we've noticed an increase in the concern over privacy issues. This concern will no doubt deepen if your children are eager to have a page of their own. Most sites require a minimum age, but with the way kids are with computers these days, it's likely they will find a way around that. There is a new social site called "Togetherville," which offers your kids the opportunity to have their own network page and communicate with friends in a safe and monitored environment. This website features privacy controls which allow the adult to be in complete control (as a parent, I like that!). It combines some of the same features we see on Facebook, such as games, videos and connecting with others. The site is actually able to be linked to your Facebook page, yet all of the friends the child has are pre-approved by the parent, and the child can only friend friends of the parent or children of the parents' friends. Oh, and your kid cannot access your FB page from their Togetherville account. The site is not affiliated with Facebook, and was actually created by a dad of three.

I think kids would love this, and it's definately worth checking out. Let me know what you think!

Goings On

2010-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to mention a few things that are going on right now. There is a paper survey available for storytime parents to fill out regarding our Children's Department renovations. They are bright orange and you can grab one right off my desk. Please be candid, your feedback will help us make some terrific changes!

Also, if you haven't already, you still have a few days left to vote on your favorite fish from our coloring contest. Turn in your choice at the circulation desk!

And last but not least, Summer Reading Club is fast approaching, and you will soon see a transformation of the Children's Area. We are hard at work to "Make a Splash," and we can't wait for you to see what we've come up with!

So Many Books, So Little Time...

2010-05-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Spring publishing offers up a ton of great new kiddie books, so much so that it would be nice to spend the day reading! I've come across some terrific new titles, and thought I'd share just a few.

For the youngest reader, Michael Dahl has put out a set of super-fantastic board books that will have you and your toddler giggling each time you read them. Bunny Eats Lunch, Pig Takes a Bath, Pony Brushes His Teeth, and my personal favorite, Duck Goes Potty are full of bright and colorful illustrations, short and silly text, and themes that all parents and kids can relate to.

Also, for the little ones, Dancing Feet! by Lindsay Craig is another wonderful pick. The illustrations are done by Marc Brown (made famous by Arthur, himself) and are a collage of different textures. This rhyming book lets children guess who's dancing across the pages by giving away different clues. I will definitely be using this one in story time!

In the picture book genre, my recent favorites include Woof! A Love Story by Sarah Weeks ( a dog and cat romance) LMNO Peas by Keith Baker (think peas in hard hats working around the alphabet letters), and Miss Brooks Loves Books Loves Books, and I Don't by Barbara Bottner (terrific tale about a librarian who is REALLY into her job and makes it her mission to turn even the most stubborn child into a reader...gee I wonder who that sounds like!)

For kids learning to read on their own, a new Early Reader series called Rico and Robot by Anastasia Suen has been gaining popularity. These two friends find themselves dealing with everything from dinosaurs to pirates. Real kid-friendly stuff!

The juvenile fiction publishing world is churning them out. Rick Riordan (of Percy Jackson fame) has started a new series called, The Kane Chronicles. The first installment, The Red Pyramid, is taking us on an adventure with an Egyptologist. Sure to be a big hit. And remember to bring the kids to the library for Family Movie Night on Tuesday, July 6th at 6:30 when we premier The Lightning Thief DVD! Another great pick is Where the Mountain Meets the Moon ( 2010 Newbery Honor Book) by Grace Lin. This is an enchanting book that has the feel of the old-fashioned Chinese folk tales, but made modern for today's kids. MinLi decides that she is going to find the fabled, Old Man of the Moon to help her desperately poor family.

Parents, you're going to want to sneak this one for yourself!

My newest hobby is reading juvenile graphic novels. I urge you to give them a try. Not only are most of the titles AR, but they are the most fantastic choice for reluctant readers. We have classic books, such as Black Beauty and Dracula in graphic format, as well as the wildly popular Baby Mouse by Jennifer and Matt Holm and the Lunch Lady series by Jarrett Krosoczka. These are perfect for kids who don't have a long attention span when it comes to reading, and they are truly fun.

Let me know if you come across any new picks that you've fallen in love with!

2010-05-25T12:12:00.001-07:00

Is there a book that you will always remember from your childhood? One that instantly transports you back to a time when you weren't Mom or Dad, but simply a kid? I actually hate the question, "What is your favorite children's book?" because it feels like choosing my favorite kid. Some of the ones that stick out most are Curious George Goes to the Hospital, Harry the Dirty Dog, Island of the Blue Dolphins, all of Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and The Secret Garden. Being a Children's Librarian, I think my list of favorites changes on a daily basis. What are some of your favorites??

Summer Reading Club 2010

2010-05-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

So, the time has almost arrived. The end of homework assignments, play recitals, packing lunches, running for the bus. Summer is just around the corner, and while things may be winding down around your house, this is the busiest time of the year for Children's Librarians. As many of you know, Moon Library offers a Summer Reading Club program throughout the months of June and July. The beginning of the program starts off with a huge party on the library grounds, and this year is no different. Join us on Saturday, June 12th from 10-12. Our SRC theme is "Make a Splash At Your Library," so prepare for all things water. We will have water gun fights, a Power Shower Dunk Tank, duck ponds, tattoos, crafts, food and fun. This is also the time for you to sign up for all of our summer programs, including storytime, and elementary and family programs. It is going to be a blast!

Moon Library is also having a fundraiser on Kick-Off Day, that has been generously underwritten by Clearview Federal Credit Union. We will be offering lunches, as well as Bruster's Ice Cream for sale to benefit a new and improved Children's Department.

At the SRC Kick-Off Party, you will be able to register for all of our Summer Reading Clubs, including the Read-to-Me club for younger children, as well as the clubs for children and teens. We have set a reading goal of 10 hours for this summer, in hopes that kids will keep reading while school is out. Just keep track of your time spent, come in each week to show how you've done, and pick up a prize. At the end of SRC, we will be giving away some awesome prizes for those of you that have met the challenge. All the children who have participated will also receive something special.

Stay tuned to our blog for future announcements regarding SRC 2010!

New Kid on the Block

2010-05-24T06:44:00.001-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to the Moon Township Public Library Children's Department Blog. My hopes for this blog are to provide parents, kids and caregivers a place to hear the latest news about your Children's Department, keep you up to date on programming and events, swap any cool info that relates to the world of children, and talk about some of the best kiddie books around. This department is geared for children birth through fifth grade. Since I am new to this whole Blogging-Universe, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Miss Megan

Artsy Smartsy

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite crafts that we do at story time and other programs involve free art. I absolutely love to watch the kids get into the paint, glitter, etc. and see what they come up with. The art projects that I always keep from my own children are inevitably the ones that are the least perfect. The bear with an eye on his tummy, or the tree that is colored purple. I'm always looking for new craft ideas for the library, but I think that the kids usually come up with the best ones on their own!