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.