I hope you're all enjoying the summer, and especially the summer reading program at the library.
Miss Alecia has been phenomenal as ever, and we can't wait to see what the last half of the summer reading program has in store!
We're going to be starting some new blog series for the library, and this is the first of them: Miss Corrie's Story Time Picks! We'll highlight some special children's books - some that we read in story time, some that are new to the library, and some that are some beloved classics. All of these books are available through the library, so if you see one you like, whether you haven't read it yet, or want to read it again, follow the link attached to each title, and request your copy from the library!
Let's see what we have in store this month!
"Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone!" - Michael Hall
This is a beautiful story about being who you are, despite what your "label" says. Using the perspective of a crayon with a label that says he is "red", this story can be a metaphor for so many struggles with identity and feeling trapped by the expectations of others.
Why is this a good story time read?
The story is engaging, encouraging children to point out not only colours and colour changes, but also the objects that are being drawn. You can ask your child(ren) questions while you read, and engage them in the illustrations. It offers a great opportunity to talk to children about diversity, inclusion, and being comfortable with who they are as a person, not necessarily just who or "what" they are expected to be.
Note from the author about this book: https://www.michaelhallstudio.com/pages/books/crayon/authors-statement.html
"HUG MACHINE is the story of a child who is super down with hugging. He is the self-proclaimed Hug Machine and he is very excited to tell everyone about it. He is very good at hugging and he is not shy to show the world. He is ready for you to watch how amazing he is at hugging. He hugs people, but he also hugs things. Nothing escapes. Nothing. He even solves problems with his hugs. Sometimes he comes up against some real tough hugs. Hugs that would make others give right the heck up and turn away. But the Hug Machine never backs down. And if you, the reader, need a hug? The Hug Machine will hug you. Do not worry! Everyone gets a hug." - Scott Campbell
This is such a fun and funny book. He hugs mailboxes, he hugs trees, he hugs rocks, he hugs floating balloons. There is nothing he won't hug. What I really like about this story is the acknowledgement towards the end that hugging takes a lot of energy. Sharing and expressing emotions, and taking on the emotions of others, can be very exhausting. And at the end of the time, even the one doing the hugging needs a hug too.
Why is this a good story time read?
This story has a really good beat and pace. It's best read with energy and enthusiasm, and sometimes a very quick voice. It keeps the kids engaged and laughing, and you can ask them questions like, "would you hug a bear? would you hug a rock?". Not necessarily a good bedtime book, but great for active kiddos who don't always love to sit still for stories. I absolutely recommend this book!
"Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows young readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.
'We’re All Wonders' may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children." - Wonder The Book
Awkward confession: I have not yet read "Wonder". Or seen the movie. I have no excuse. I've heard many, many, many good things about this story. And I absolutely adore this picture book. ... Clearly I need to pull a Hermione Granger and "sort out my priorities". Anyway, this is a story that I try to read a few times a year for Story Time. We read it when we do stories that focus on kindness and acceptance, as well as during our Autism Acceptance story time (not because Auggie is autistic, he's not, but because of the emphasis on self-acceptance and overcoming stereotypes). This is a truly wonderful story for any age.
Why is this a good story time read?
Aside from the obvious emotional aspects and the seeds of empathy content, this is just a really well-paced and simple story to read. There's not much text, which is good for group settings, but the text that is there has purpose. It's offers lots of opportunities for discussion and follow-up. Well worth the read - and the tug on your heartstrings.
"From the creators of Goodnight Already!, Jory John and Benji Davies, comes another standout hilarious picture book about Bear and Duck. Bear can't wait to spend a pleasant day by himself. His persistent next-door neighbor, Duck, wants to take a morning stroll ... with Bear. He just wants Bear to like him already ..." - Jory John
Jory John is quickly becoming one of my favourite children's authors. His duck and bear series is such a riot to read. Overbearing and hyperactive duck is such a funny opposite to sedate, slightly grumpy bear. Duck's enthusiasm is equal parts hysterical and contagious, and they're unlikely-duo shenanigans always make for a fun read.
Why is this a good story time read?
Aside from the humor and the goofy antics, these books have a good repetitive flow and kids can follow along with. Duck asks questions, and bear says "no". Every time, followed by a single, "you already said that". The illustrations are wonderful and as comedic as the writing. This is a nice "feel good" read, while erring strong on the side of humor and lightheartedness.
"Everyone’s favorite dragon now FLIES from the page! Filled with fantastic pop-ups and gatefolds, this interactive book gives kids a new way to enter the magical land of Honalee. Wondrous things happen on every page: Puff’s head and tail lift up, dolphins slide in and out of a paper "sea,” and the boat with billowed sails becomes 3-D. It’s absolutely enchanting!" - Sterling Publishing Company
Anyone who's come to Miss Corrie's story times knows how much I love singing. Any excuse to sing a story is a good excuse. This is a personal favourite of mine. The illustrations are beautiful, perfectly reminiscent of Pete's Dragon, and the bond that the child had with the dragon. He cares for the boy, they imagine fantastical worlds together, exploring and traveling and sharing companionship. In the end, as all of us do, the boy grows up and has to leave puff behind, and it's so heartbreaking. But in the end, a new friend comes to find Puff, and he's happy again. The best part, for me, is the illustration that shows Puff's new friend, a little girl, is grown up Jackie Paper's daughter. He never forgot Puff, after all.
Why is this a good story time read?
Music and stories go so well together. They're great for settling a rowdy bunch, especially if the kids (and caregivers) sing along. It's an easy and melodic song to follow, with absolutely beautiful illustration. It's catchy and a quick read, and who doesn't love stories about lovable dragons?
"While walking through the forest, Hank finds an egg on the forest floor. After spotting its nest high up in a tree, he uses his ingenuity to help get the egg home safe and sound, and is joyfully rewarded with newfound friends!" - Peter Pauper Press
This wordless picture book tells a powerful yet simplistic story of a simple act of kindness and dedication to helping those who can't help themselves. You follow Hank through each page as he sees the problem - an egg fallen from a nest - and tries to figure out how to solve it. Without words, this story engages you from the start. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Why is this a good story time read?
I adore wordless books. You have to pay attention to them. The illustrations are beautiful, and keep you entranced in the story. The illustrations also inspire communication with your story time participants: what is hank doing with those sticks (building a ladder), why is he building a fire (to keep them warm). Wordless picture books encourage the children to become the storytellers, which is kind of the whole point.
After you read "Hank Finds an Egg", check out the book trailer for one of Hank's other adventures: Hank Has a Dream.
"Because sometimes it’s the smallest moments that have the biggest impact.
Mo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and
illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery,
persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl’s journey to
center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems’ music to life,
conducting a stunning picture-book debut." - Pigeon Presents
There is nothing I don't love about this book. It shows the beauty of music, of finding your passion, of doing the things that feed your soul. Mo Willems is a story time favourite, but this is a much different kind of story than Elephant and Piggie, or the Pigeon series. This story has heart, it's filled with emotion, and honestly, when read aloud, leaves you with a lump in your throat. Definitely practice a few times before reading it to a crowd.
Why is this a good story time read?
Books that incorporate music always do well in story time. Partnered with story time classic author Mo Willems, and you can't really go wrong. But this story holds its own in terms on content. It's not too wordy, which is always a plus for an antsy story time crowd. Beautiful illustrations, and a heart-warming story that encourages children to go after their passions. 10/10, would recommend.
"An extraordinarily different story by Robert Munsch is a gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child--forever. Sheila McGraw's soft and colorful pastels perfectly complement the sentiment of the book--one that will be read repeatedly for years." - Firefly Books
Fun fact, I didn't read this story until I was an adult. I had it read to me, and I cried like a baby. The first time I read it in story time, I was okay. And the second, and the third, and the fourth, and so on. Not a tear in sight ... until I read it to a group of moms who started tearing up. I was done for. Now I have to steady my nerves when I go to read this one in story time. And no eye contact with any parents!
Why is this a good story time read?
I usually read this with my toddler group, but even the older kids get into this story. I tend to rock back and forth while I sign, and it's interesting to watch the kids sway back and forth with me. There's a really good balance in this story between silly antics (flushing mum's watch down the toilet, wanting to sell her child to the zoo, etc.) and bittersweet emotion. It's good calm down story that balances spoken word and song. Definitely a frequent story time pick.
A note from the author about this book: https://robertmunsch.com/book/love-you-forever
"Join one little pigeon as she sets out on a journey to spread a message of hope and tolerance around the world. Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon’s iconic song and illustrations by award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely book dares to imagine a world at peace.
Fans and readers of all ages can now enjoy the lyrics to this beloved song in picture book format for the first time." - Amnesty International
Have I mentioned I love song books? This is one of the first songs that I remember my mother singing to me. I sing it (and I Got You Babe) to my nieces and nephews. It's such a powerful and important song, and I was so happy when it came out in picture book form.
Why is this is a good story time read?
Music and story time. You can't go wrong. The only part of this story/song that ever gives me pause in story time is "no hell below" ... but I find that if you (the storyteller) don't make a big deal out of it, the kids won't either. The illustrations are cute, the pace is good if you're not rushing the song. All in all, a great story time read for anyone musically inclined. Make John Lennon proud.
If you liked Imagine, check out "All You Need is Love".
"As long as story time does not have to be synonymous with quiet time, Thomas's (Rhyming Dust Bunnies) latest goof makes a great pick (the first page of this book enjoins readers, "Hey, you! Yes, I'm talking to you! STAND UP!"). In fact, the book's cheerleading narration, bold cartoons and fluorescent backdrops actually deliver an even more kinetic reading experience than the title implies. ...It's only when a giant hungry frog comes along that... well, by that juncture, plot has fully taken a backseat to getting jiggy." - Publishers Weekly, via Jan Thomas
This is such a hit during our Footloose Friday story time. I discovered this book when I was looking for stories that promoted movement and activity, and boy does it deliver! It makes you dance and wiggle and just be an absolutely goof. Love it!
It's silly, it makes you get up and move, the interaction is absolutely priceless. The illustrations are big and bright and inviting for young children. It's a good, fun read that inspires laughter and physical activity. Definitely recommend this book for story time.
Baby Shark, illustrated by John John Bajet
"Children will delight in this silly sing-along story with funny, eye-popping illustrations and informative picture guides to help readers to mimic and act out the hand/foot movements and develop their fine motor skills. By the end of the singalong story, little ones will be laughing, singing, and dancing their way to fun and reading success!
Are you up for the Baby Shark reading challenge?" - Cartwheel Books
I couldn't leave out Baby Shark! As a story teller *without children of my own* I adore this song. I know some moms who do not feel the same. Buuuuuuttttttt ... this is super adorable, and there are a couple slight changes from the viral song.
Why is this a good story time read?
This story, while obviously catchy, is a great addition to a music and movement story time. The kids do each movement with you (while laughing their butts off), and it's such a fun story that it almost always inspires an encore. Cute illustrations, fun movements, and great for story time crowds that don't like to sit still.
That's all for this month! What are some of your favourite story time reads! Let us know in the comments! See you next month!
