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!

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!