Move Over Fellini

In an effort to save voices and energy, Cynthia and I made a video to use for summer reading program promotion.

We created a set, made a shark choir (we wanted their mouths to be able to move...oh well...where is that animator nephew of mine when I need him? Does he REALLY have to work at Disney when the SRP is at stake?) and then wrote the script. I should probably add that we had a very small budget (nothing) and very few actors to choose from (puppets and staff...or ARE the puppets actually the staff?). We had lots of fun making a short film to show at the schools as part of our presentation. It will hopefully help to save our voices and the waning energy factor that comes from repeating the same thing 25 times in a day.

Turns out movie making is not as easy as it looks, but we sure had a lot of laughs!

Next week Cynthia and I will don our shark hats and head over to the first school of our promo tour. If I can't get the Baby Shark song out of my head right now, I shudder to think what it will be like after all the school visits!
doot ....doot.... doot....Make a Splash at Friday Library doot.....

Pause For Squeaky Shoes

Last September I posted an entry about a new walker who came into the children's room wearing some shoes that squeaked when she took a step. That little girl, her big sister, and their mother, are bright lights in my days at the library.I have never seen them without a smile----never. I have watched those babies grow inside their mother, held them as newborns, and heard some of their first words, cheered them on as they took first steps. I have enjoyed the delight on their faces when we sang and read fun stories. I have witnessed them making friends at story time, friendships that have blossomed and grown.

What a privilege it is to be a part of so many children's lives! Not only do I have the opportunity to share books with them, but actually become part of an extended family of sorts. Plotting and planning what to do for programs and purchasing, I take my responsibility seriously-----what can I give them? Without even trying, they give me the world.

Yesterday, I received an email telling me Little Miss Squeaky Shoes has an inoperable brain tumor. It does not look good. Please pause a moment and offer some positive energy to she and her family.They will need all the prayers and wishes our world can offer, during these coming weeks.

That's Disgusting!

Are these really good---and exactly where did they come from??????

Several years ago, I had an after school program called That's Disgusting! We had a huge turnout and it was fun to plan,too. Why haven't I ever repeated this? Boogers on a stick are yummy and fun to make. Kitty Litter cake is wonderful and looks so awful. Squashed bug on a fly swatter is a really fun craft to make.Well, in honor of Kathleen Baxter and her inspiring booktalks, I am going to have a disgusting revival, since all things gross are so appealing to school age kids.

Books to try for my new "Really Gross Book Club" will include:

Lauber, Patricia,What You Never Knew About Tubs, Toilets, and Showers (Around the House History)S&S,2001
Harper, Charise Mericle, Flush: The Scoop on Poop Throughout the Ages. Little Brown,2007.
Prishmann, Deidre A. Poop-Eaters:Dung Beetles in the Food Chain. Capstone Press,2008.
Neuman, Pearl. Bloodsucking Leeches. Bearport Publishing,2008.
Thomas, Lyn. 100% Pure Fake. Kids Can Press,2009.
Bredeson,Carmen. Hair Shooting Tarantulas and Other Weird Spiders, Enslow elementary,2009

Now get out there and drink some Bathwater Punch!

Just Keeping It Real

Snot Bubble
Originally uploaded by Michael.M

Who knew non-fiction could be so hilarious! Kathleen Baxter presented 145 non-fiction books at a workshop I attended yesterday. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. That woman could convert even the most reluctant reader with her passion, joy, and downright hilariousness. I was ready to booktalk non-fiction to anyone who walked through the library doors this morning and had to be restrained from loading my car trunk with books and heading for the elementary schools.

I am absolutely going to start a Gross and Disgusting Book Club in the fall featuring all of those books that delight elementary school kids and probably some middle school kids,too!

Celebrate the Earth!

Spring is my favorite season and a perfect time to celebrate Earth Day, in my opinion. Everything is fresh and new, so let's take a look......

plum trees,

the first sprays of new green leaves,

beautiful,brave volunteers,

and tiny greens peeking out from mysterious places.

Happy Earth Day!