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!