And The Winner Is.......

Over the last two weeks child visitors to Chester County Library have been voting for their favorite picture book character. While adults were voting for the President of the United States, children were voting for Clifford or Madeline. While the race was close for a while, the winner is......

for more Biscuit books, or books with any of the favorite characters, please visit the Chester County Library or the library website. Happy Election!

Fall is time for FUN!

Halloween and other fall events are around the corner. Are you looking for a great costume or party idea? The Chester County Library has wonderful resources for sewing a costume, treats and games for children’s parties, and decorations for family events. Stop into the library and take a peak.

Make Costumes! By Priscilla Hershberger

This book gives step by step instructions on making popular dress up costumes. By using common school and household goods the costume making is a snap. With 10 or more costumes to choose from there is something for everyone.

A Halloween how-to : costumes, parties, decorations, and destinations
by Lesley Pratt Bannatyne

This book has all you need to know about the history of Halloween, planning events, decorating and even where to see the best pumpkin chuckin’ contest!

Crafts to Make in the Fall
by Kathy Ross

Every family needs a few crafty ideas for the fall season. Check out this book that contains 29 easy to make projects. A gift, a family craft night, a scout troop; there are craft ideas for everyone!





Sometimes, all you need is a great fall story.

Pumpkins by Mary Lyn Ray

In this beautifully illustrated story a man gives up everything he has to grow pumpkins to save a field. His good work spreads pumpkin cheer worldwide.

Halloween Fraidy Cat by Abby Klein

In this Ready Freddy! story Freddy is scared of the haunted house where his friend is holding a Halloween party. Freddy doesn’t want his friends to know how frightened he is, but he still wants to go to the party. What will he do?





Remember, the next session of story time registration starts on October 23, through Eventkeeper. Visit our website at www.ccls.org, visit the library, and enjoy this fall season!

Rhythm and Rhyme Make A Great Story Time!

We are Growing Readers at the Chester County Library! Fall story time registration began today! You must register online for all age-specific story time programs. To register, go online to Chester County Library Eventkeeper and find your child's specific story time session.

There are thousands of great picture books for young children. But what makes a good storybook a great read-aloud? An engaging story keeps children interested. Beautiful or striking pictures are also a big draw for children. But, I find that a wonderful story with a predictable rhythm and rhyme help a good story become great. Here are some of my favorites for each age group.

Great for one year olds - Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown. This bedtime story is great to read at anytime during the day! But when it is time for bed, we must say goodnight to everything. "Good night kittens and good night mittens..."

Great for two year olds: Belly Button Book, by Sandra Boynton. What two year old doesn't like to show their belly button. Now there is a book about those amazing belly buttons! Celebrate your child's belly button with some rhyming hippo friends.

Great for three year olds: My Truck is Stuck, by Kevin Lewis. When a truck gets stuck in a hole, many vehicles try to rescue it. But the gophers aren't helping, they are stealing from the back of the truck!

Great for four year olds: Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom is a classic picture book by Bill Martin, Jr. While four year olds are beginning to play with the letters of the alphabet, who would have thought the letters could climb a coconut tree?

Great for five year olds: The Donut Chef, by Bob Staake. Rhythm, rhyme and a story about about donuts, what could be better? After two chefs open donut shops, the donuts get stranger and stranger as both chefs begin creating donuts with odd shapes and flavors. But whose donuts are the best? You decide!




Look for these and other great books at the Chester County Library!

The Olympics are AWESOME!

Olympic fever has swept the nation! Are you excited about the athletes representing the United States at the London games? At the Chester County Library we have resources about some of the top athletes from our country and around the world. We also have great books about some sports you may have seen that were new to you.

Michael Phelps
by Barbara Sheen
This biography of Michael Phelps discusses his life with ADHD, his start in the sport of swimming, and his work toward a gold medal in the Olympic Games.

The World’s Greatest Olympians
by Michael Hurley
This book includes profiles of many famous Olympic athletes including track and field stars Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Michael Johnson.

The World of Olympics
by Nick Hunter
If you want to learn about the history of the Olympic Games, the symbolism of the Olympic Rings, or the past host countries of the Games, this book is a great start.

Great Moments at the Summer Olympics
by Matt Christopher
This fact filled book recalls historical moments by American athletes at the Olympics. Was it amazing? It may be in this book!

The 2012 London Olympics
by Nick Hunter
If you are wondering about where this year’s Olympics are being held, check out this selection. This book explains how the Olympic preparations have taken over London and the surrounding areas. It discusses locations of events, changes in technology, as well as the Paralympics that will follow the 2012 Olympic Games.


And just for fun… even world class athletes can act silly and have a great time. Check out this version of Call Me, Maybe by the United States Olympic Swim Team, just click here!

Have the Olympics got you excited about a sport, about broadcasting, about travel? You can find information about it all at the library! Get inspired @ Chester County Library!

Is it August Already?

Summer is half over already! The Summer Reading Club is already past day 40 and many children may need an exciting topic to keep them reading during the hot days of August. What could be more exciting than MONSTERS?

Monster stories read by a trusted adult are not so scary and can really be fun! While some monster stories are creepy and scary, most picture books for children use the monsters as child-like characters or to teach a lesson. Here are a few wonderful monster books. Miss April will be reading several of these during Tell Tale Tuesday, on Tuesday, July 31.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster
by Mo Willems
Leonardo is not a very good monster, he has trouble scaring people. After meeting a boy named Sam, Leonardo decides that he is really good at something…friendship.

Go Away Big Green Monster
by Ed Emberley
On every page the monster gains a scary part, long bluish green nose, purple hair, a green face. But then it is the child’s turn to tell the monster to Go Away!

I Need My Monster
by Amanda Noll
When Ethan’s monster goes on vacation, he interviews some other monsters to fill the place under his bed. But none of the monsters are his monster. Will Ethan ever get his monster back?

Maybe your child doesn’t want to read about monsters, maybe he or she wants to create their own! 5 Steps to Drawing Monsters can help them learn how to draw a monster by copying shapes. Drawing vampires, ogres and a Cyclops is a side benefit!




No matter what your child is dreaming about, a visit to the library or to the library website will help you find books about most any topic. Keep reading all summer long and we hope to see you browsing the shelves or at one of our Summer Reading Club events!

2012 SUMMER READING CLUB

June 11, 2012 marks the first day of the Summer Reading Club at the Chester County Library! Come in on June 11th or after and pick up your Summer Reading Club packet. Our theme this year is

That's right, we are Dreaming Big with special activities focused on what children may dream about. Some may be dreaming about stars and planets, others may dream about what goes bump in the night. The library has fun activities planned that touch on all aspects of dreaming big including bedtime stories and nocturnal animals as well!

Join us this summer and DREAM BIG at the Chester County Library!

Summer Fun in Pennsylvania

The warm days of summer and school summer break are coming quickly and it is time to start thinking about summer fun! Many of our library visitors are thinking about vacations, get away weekends or day trips. Summer is a great time for children to learn about our state of Pennsylvania and some of the many amazing attractions that may be only a short drive away!

Pennsylvania by M.J. York This book gives an overview of Pennsylvania by giving the reader interesting facts about our state. It includes some history, maps and famous residents. Fabulous pictures help the whole family get excited about our wonderful state.

But what does your family want to do or see? Check out Fun with the Family Pennsylvania: hundreds of ideas for day trips with the kids This is a guide book for families with young children. The entire state of Pennsylvania is profiled by area and activities offered. Whether you want to visit Pittsburgh, the Poconos or Amish country, this book will help you decide what attractions and events will work for your family

Maybe you are more interested in a day trip to Philadelphia. In the book Philadelphia’s Outdoor Art: a walking tour the author describes the outdoor art located in and around Philadelphia and the best way to see it all – by walking!

But if the city is not your thing, perhaps a hiking guide will inspire your small adventurers. AMC’s Best Day hikes Near Philadelphia: four-season guide to 50 of the best trails in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware is a wonderful resource to show your family the unfamiliar trails only a short drive away.

When planning your Pennsylvania summer adventure check out the information we have for you at the Chester County Library!

Stop Snoring Bernard!

Stop Snoring Bernard by Zachariah Ohora has been named the 2012 Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child designated book. As a result, this wonderful storybook will be distributed to over 15,000 libraries, child care centers, community literacy programs, Head Start centers and licensed home day care providers in our state.

While daily reading is an important part of helping young children develop early literacy skills, reading by itself is not enough. Our young audiences need to be involved in the story, not just listeners. The PA One Book program shares tips for engaging young readers and expanding on the reading experience.

1. Look at the cover and discuss it. Read the title and have the child or children make predictions about the story. See if you can predict where the story takes place or who the main characters may be.

2. Slow Down, reading a story is not a race! Take your time when reading, read with expression and use sound effects - or have the children do the sound effects. In Stop Snoring Bernard! children love to make the snoring noise... and say Stop Snoring Bernard! Make sure that you discuss the pictures and look for clues as to what may happen next. Did you come across an unfamiliar word? Make sure those young readers know what they mean.

3. The End doesn't have to be the end. After the story is over talk about it. Did any of your predictions come true? What do you think happened after the book ended?

Remember, young children love repetition. You may be reading one story over and over-enjoy it! Look for other great books at the Chester County Library and use the same techniques, before you know it your small reader will be asking you the questions!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

Is there a bug fan in your family? One of the signs of spring is a young hand collecting worms, insects and other creepy crawlies from the new grass and flowers, and of course, dirt! Here are a few of my favorite picture books about bugs.




BUGS GALORE
by Peter Stein
Illustrated by Bob Staake

This picture book explores in rhyming text the many places that bugs can be found. With descriptions like “Blah! A stinkbug! Plug-your-nose bug!” and “Lightning glow bugs. Nighttime show bugs.” This book will appeal to children who like yucky bugs as well as those who prefer their bugs to be beautiful. This book contains amazing illustrations that need some time to examine. Take your time and find your favorite bug!


Insects are My Life
by Megan McDonald
Illustrate by Paul Brett Johnson

Amanda loves insects. She loves to study them, she loves to watch them and she loves to talk about them. Unfortunately, some of her school friends find that love of insects a little strange. Amanda has trouble convincing them about the amazing abilities of insects. Did you know that butterflies have taste buds on their feet? Insects get Amanda in trouble at school and at home, until she finds a friend with a passion of her own.



Yucky Worms
by Vivian French
Illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

When a little boy visits his grandmother’s garden he learns all about those yucky worms. Where do they live? What do they eat? Why does Grandmother want them in her garden? Lots of interesting facts about earthworms are included for those who love worms and those who still think they are yucky.


These books and many more about insects, spiders and other 'bugs' are available at your library. Visit soon and check them out!

The Lorax Movie

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss! On March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday, The Lorax movie, based on the book by Dr. Seuss will be opening in theaters. While the movie is a bit different from the original book, including new characters and a different story line, the basic theme remains the same - everyone must choose wisely when using our Earth's natural resources.

In the movie, Ted learns from Audrey that there were once trees growing everywhere and she wishes that she could see one. Ted sets off into the desolate area outside of their plastic town to find a tree and meets a secretive being who tells the story of how the trees disappeared. Voiced by Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, many children will be flocking to this movie. Click here to watch the official movie trailer!

I can't wait to hear what you think about the movie - and which did you like better, the traditional book or the new animated movie? Looking for the original book or another Dr. Seuss classic? Click here to find your favorite!



Happy reading, and viewing :)

Stuck Inside Again?

The end of winter is close, but it is not yet spring. While the wet and cold weather does not inspire outside play, it can inspire indoor fun! Visit the library to pick up some great ideas for inside activities. Try one of these ideas to bring a little sun to your February days!


Recycle some of your everyday items and let your child make a bright and cheery craft. Along with recycling tips there are 21 crafts to choose from. Great for a play date or just some one on one time there are directions for creating pins, puppets, frames and magnets. Take your pick! Click here for Earth Friendly Crafts.




Tea Party anyone? Parties aren't just for birthdays, they work well on gray February days as well. The Tea Party Book or Come to Tea will give you great ideas, games and recipes for throwing a tea party of your own. Have your children dress in their finest and invite a few friends over. Read Miss Spider's Tea Party or The Three Princesses before serving the grape jelly on crackers!


Sometimes you just want to move it, move it! The library is full of great music to share with your family. Did you know we have lots of Kidz Bop, Radio Disney and Raffi music on CD that are available for you to borrow? Besides movement activity music we also have lullabies, movie and TV soundtracks as well as sing-a-longs.

Visit the library and find some great ideas to bring some fun to your day!

2012 Caldecott Medal Announcement

On Monday, January 23^rd the authors and illustrators of this year’s best children’s books were celebrated. The 2012 Caldecott Awards were announced, as well as many other awards for children’s literature. The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist (illustrator) of the best children’s book of the year. Books that receive a Caldecott Honor were also considered for the top prize.

The 2012 Caldecott Medal is awarded to……

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Rashcka

This wordless storybook follows the life of a dog named Daisy and her beloved red ball. But when Daisy’s ball is damaged by another dog, will Daisy ever want to play again? Children will want to tell their version of the story over and over again.

Caldecott Honor Books:

Blackout by John Rocco

When everyone is too busy to play a board game, a boy goes to his room to play a video game by himself. But when the power goes off his family finds new ways to enjoy the night, their neighbors and each other!

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

In this story a young boy shares his grandfather's history through the topiaries his grandfather created. In the garden the topiaries mark each special event in his grandfather’s life, good and not so good. A sweet story about a boy’s love for his elderly grandfather and the gifts his grandfather passed on to him.

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

A young girl named Jane and her stuffed monkey, Jubilee set out to investigate the world. She dreams of helping animals and going to Africa, and one day…. she does! This biographical introduction of Dr. Jane Goodall is set in a children’s book, but shows children that they too, can make their dreams come true!

The Chester County Library has copies of these award-winning titles and many others. Check them out @ your library!

Math and Science Programs for 4-6 year olds

Did you know that Chester County Library offers FREE science and math programs for children ages 4-6? The following are being held in February and March:

Mother Goose Asks "Why?"
Fridays - February 3-17, 2012
10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pm
- This is a family literacy program for children ages 4-6 and their caregivers that uses picture books and fun hands-on activities to introduce science concepts to children.
- Each program is limited to 20 children for each session. Every child must be accompanied by a caregiver for each class. No siblings, please.
- You can register by going to our web site http://www.ccls.org/ -- Find an Event calendar -- Chester County Library -- February -- February 3 Mother Goose Asks Why? -- Register

You Can Count on Mother Goose
Fridays - March 2-16, 2012
10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pm
- This is a family literacy program for children ages 4-6 and their caregivers that uses picture books and fun hands-on activities to introduce math concepts to children.
- Each program is limited to 20 children for each session. Every child must be accompanied by a caregiver for each class. No siblings, please.
- You can register by going to our web site http://www.ccls.org/ -- Find an Event calendar -- Chester County Library -- March -- March 2 You Can Count on Mother Goose --Register

If you have any questions, please call the Children's Reference Desk at Chester County Library at 610-280-2630.